“We don’t have time for “Business as Usual,” CCCC has brought together organizations with a common goal, The People of California, regardless of their current health status, need reform. That’s our job; create a system that promotes good health for the “whole person.”

- Stewart Ferry, Legislative Advocate, National MS Society, California Action Network

“One goal of responsible health care reform must be to improve the health of Californians with chronic illnesses, thus reducing hospitalizations, nursing home placement and associated staggering costs.”

- Bill Remak, CA Hepatitis C Task Force

Consumer Resources

	Alzheimer’s Disease, Facts and Figures As the baby boomer generation enters retirement age, the number of seniors in the United States will soon become a substantial portion of the population. This also means that the proportion of people with certain diseases will also increase since seniors are the most venerable to these certain diseases. Between now and 2030 there will be a doubling in the number of Alzheimer’s disease. Since the primary risk factor for Alzheimer’s is older age, a substantial increase should be expected in the numbers of people who will be living with the disease.

	California Diabetes Program has a mission to prevent diabetes and its complications. Their key objectives are to Conduct Surveillance to monitor statewide diabetes health status and risk factors; Provide Communications to increase awareness about diabetes; Guide Public Policy to support people with and at risk for diabetes; Offer leadership, guidance, and resources for Community Health Interventions; Improve quality of care in Health Care Delivery Systems; Reduce diabetes-related Health problems.

	The Diabetes Coalition of California (DCC) is an independent organization dedicated to recognizing and reducing the impact of diabetes in the state's diverse communities. The Coalition is comprised of representatives from the general public, local health departments, universities, insurance and pharmaceutical companies, and a variety of community-based, voluntary, health and professional organizations.

	Californians for Patient Care (CPC) is an organization that is committed to working with stakeholders in pursuit of finding “common threads” which would benefit patients in the long run. CPC works hand in hand with industry experts and research institutions to work on key healthcare issues in California. Their goal is to understand current healthcare issues which will help improve California’s healthcare system in the long run.

	California Academy of Family Physicians (CAFP) There has been a dramatic increase in the number of uninsured people in California and the number of primary care physicians available has decreased over the years. Eventually, this can leave the many working and lower class people without care. The failure of our health care system, which is unable to become cost-effective, coordinated, and provides high-quality care, does not only affect the unprivileged, but also a lot of middle class people as well. By strengthening our health care system we can manage the rise in chronic illness and allow citizens quality and affordable healthcare.

	AARP Chronic health conditions can have a profound effect on people’s lives and eventually lead to serous consequences such as disability and even death. A serious problem with chronic illness is loss of information as patient’s transition from one hospital to another. Its issues like these that make it obvious that changes in the delivery of healthcare are needed to better support people with chronic illness. Healthcare providers, family, caregivers and patients all have to play a critical role in managing care for the chronic illness.

	The Health Reform Library is a collection of recent work done by some of the leading prevention organizations, public health organizations, and public policy organizations that are determined in shaping national dialogue and policymaking on healthcare and healthcare reform.

	CDC California Statistics: Chronic diseases, such as: heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes, are known to be the most costly, as well as the most preventable of all health problems. Prevention of such diseases can be done by living a healthy lifestyle, mainly by avoiding tobacco use, being physically active and eating well. Access to high-quality and affordable preventative care prevention is an essential step in saving lives.

	California Health Care Foundation (CHCF) is a organization that puts forth approaches in caring for patients with chronic disease. It is a known fact that chronic conditions are known to be one of the major causes of illness, disability, and death. The purpose of the self-management support program is to help educate patients into becoming more informed about their health condition and to give them insight into what the next step is to seek treatment. Providing this support takes time and resources, and many physicians cannot provide this kind of support. Therefore, non-physician teams of caregivers, who are trained to work with physician to offers self management support must be brought in.

	California Office of the Patient Advocate: The OPA was created to represent the interests of health plan members to get the care they deserve and to promote transparency and quality health care by publishing an annual Quality of Care Report Card. Its mission is to educate consumers about their rights and responsibilities as health plan enrollees and to teach them how to make best use of the serves offered by their health plans.

Government Resources

	California Department of Managed Health Care Residents of California have the best patient's rights laws in the nation. The Help Center at the Department of Managed Health Care is here to explain your health care rights and help you understand how to use your health care benefits. They make sure that health plans follow the law and address all member patient issues. Right Care Initiative: http://www.dmhc.ca.gov/healthplans/gen/gen_rci.aspx

	California State Office of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger

	California Department of Insurance

	California Department of Health Care Services

	California Department of Public Health

	California State Assembly Health Committee

	California State Senate Health Committee

National Resources

	Healthy People 2010 is a program that challenges people, communities, and business professionals, to take steps into achieving better health. Healthy People 2010 is designed to achieve two goals. Their first goal is to help individuals improve their quality of life. Their second goal is to eliminate health disparities among different segments of the population.

	National Priorities Partnership is the right people coming together at the right time, committed to real action that will transform the nation’s healthcare system. The 32 Partner organizations have significant influence over healthcare, uniquely positioning them to improve America’s health and healthcare system. The Partnership has a vision for world-class, affordable healthcare and is transforming healthcare from the inside out.

	The mission of the Partnership for Fighting Chronic Disease is to educate the public about chronic disease and potential solutions for individuals and communities. To mobilize Americans to call for change in how governments, employers, and health institutions approach chronic disease. And finally challenge policymakers on the health policy changes that are necessary to effectively fight chronic disease.