Murray Applauds Investments in Chronic Disease Prevention in Washington State

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) applauded an announcement from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell that Washington state will receive over $7 million in grants to strengthen local and state preventative health programs. The awards are intended to prevent and reduce disability as a result of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) chronic diseases are responsible for 70 percent of American deaths and 80 percent of the $2.7 trillion our country spends each year on health care.

"Here in Washington and across the country, we all know the simple truth that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," said Senator Murray. "The investments announced today will help prevent chronic health problems so that Washington state workers and families can lead healthier, more productive lives."

The awards are funded in part through the Affordable Care Act, as part of efforts to improve access to preventive care and coverage for those with pre-existing conditions. Washington state won three awards totaling $7,140,542.

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