7 out of 10 deaths are from chronic diseases In 2005, 133 million Americans - almost 1 out of every 2 adults “ had at least one chronic illness Almost half of all people with chronic conditions have multiple illnesses Women are more likely to have chronic conditions Health disparities in chronic disease incidence and mortality are widespread among members of racial and ethnic minority populations Mental illnesses and chronic diseases are closely related as chronic diseases exacerbate symptoms of depression

One goal of responsible health care reform must be to improve the health of Californians with chronic illnesses, by increasing the effectiveness and quality of the care provided, thus reducing hospitalizations, nursing home placement and associated staggering costs, stated Bill Remak, California Hepatitis C Task Force Director and two-time liver transplant patient. People with chronic conditions have distinctive needs, which Californian ™s health care financing and delivery systems must effectively address.

www.chroniccareca