What an incredible week we’ve just shared at the 2025 Virtual Chronic Disease Academy! Over three days, hundreds of public health professionals came together for a sold-out event filled with inspiring sessions, thoughtful discussions, and meaningful opportunities to connect. The Academy is one of my favorite NACDD events and this year felt especially powerful—a reminder of the resilience, innovation, and commitment that define our field.

We were fortunate to hear insights from states across the country—New Jersey, Illinois, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Utah, Maryland, South Carolina, Oklahoma, and New York—as well as some of our incredible partners. We explored emerging strategies, discussed data modernization and cultivating partnerships, celebrated successes, and had candid conversations about the real challenges facing public health today. What stood out most to me was not just the expertise on display, but the sense of community—the way you showed up for each other, sharing lessons learned, offering encouragement, and building bridges that will strengthen our field. As I shared during the Academy, the most impactful public health initiatives emerge when we work in true partnership—not only with each other, but with community organizations, healthcare systems, academic institutions, and the people we serve.

One of the most inspiring moments of the Academy came during our opening session when we asked participants what they were most proud of in their work this past year. The words that rose to the top—resilience, partnerships, perseverance, my team, relationships, and pivot ability—speak volumes. It reiterated that our greatest strengths lie in how we adapt, how we support one another, and how we stay committed to serving our communities. These qualities are exactly what drive us forward, even in challenging times.

During the Academy we also gathered for NACDD’s Annual Business Meeting, where we had the privilege of honoring our colleagues with this year’s Impact Awards. These awards spotlight the dedication, creativity, and leadership of professionals who carry this work forward and are making a real difference in communities across the country. We also welcomed two new Board Members: Allen Christensen of the Washington State Department of Health and Sophia Hines of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. They each bring perspectives that will strengthen our collective work, and we look forward to shaping the future of NACDD with them.

I look forward to continuing the important conversations and building upon the work showcased during the Academy with you, our Members and partners. The health of our communities depends on our ability to work together. The connections we build, the lessons we share, and the encouragement we offer one another are the foundation of a resilient public health workforce. Together, we are not only advancing the field of chronic disease prevention—we are shaping a healthier, more hopeful future for all.

Lastly, as we recognize several important observances this September: Healthy Aging Month, Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and National Suicide Prevention Month, we are reminded of the breadth of chronic disease prevention and the importance of caring not only for the communities we serve but also for ourselves. Supporting mental health, fostering social connections, and making space for self-care are essential to sustaining the workforce we need for the challenges ahead. CDC provides a list of resources if you or someone you know is struggling: cdc.gov/mental-health/caring/index.html.