Chronic Disease Prevention and Management

Most deaths in the U.S. are attributable to chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Some groups are placed at increased risk of premature death from chronic diseases due in part to social drivers of health at multiple levels of the socioecological model. Thus, in order to prevent and manage chronic diseases, we must also understand and address contextual elements such as health care access and affordability, neighborhood environment, and exposure to chronic stressors.

We approach our work to combat chronic disease through the lens of these social drivers of health, conducting research to improve risk factors across individual, family, community, health care and population levels. Our efforts also aim to improve treatment adherence and patient-provider communication, reduce disease symptoms, and enhance quality of life.

Research within this realm is transdisciplinary in nature, and we are proud to collaborate with individuals with lived experience, community partners, and other key stakeholders. Our research methods span the translational science spectrum, ranging from efficacy trials to dissemination and implementation efforts.

Ongoing Projects