Chronic Disease and Injury Section
Chronic diseases and injuries are responsible for approximately two-thirds of all deaths in North Carolina, or about 50,000 deaths each year. Cancer, heart disease, stroke, chronic lung disease and unintentional injuries make up the leading causes of death in North Carolina. Many deaths in the state are preventable and involve risky behaviors or lifestyles. Among the leading causes of preventable death are tobacco use, unhealthy diet/physical inactivity, alcohol and drug abuse and misuse, and motor vehicle crashes.
The N.C. Division of Public Health's Chronic Disease and Injury Section, along with local health departments and other partners, works to reduce death and disabilities related to chronic disease and injury. This is accomplished through policy development and environmental changes that support healthy behavior and improvements in systems of care as well as through education, screening, direct medical service, and community engagement.
Our goal is to help North Carolina develop healthy and safe communities and health systems to prevent and control chronic diseases and injury, and to eliminate health inequities.
Chronic Disease and Injury programs within the Section include:
- Cancer Prevention and Control Branch
- Community and Clinical Connections for Prevention and Health
- Forensic Tests for Alcohol
- 11/12/19: Healthy Communities
- Injury and Violence
- Tobacco Prevention and Control
Last Modified: 9-22-2020