As we recognize May as Mental Health Awareness Month, we must acknowledge that mental health is a critical, yet sometimes overlooked, component of chronic disease prevention and management.

People living with chronic conditions are more likely to experience depression and anxiety, and untreated mental health challenges can complicate the management and outcomes of these diseases by making it harder to manage medications, attend appointments, or sustain a healthy lifestyle and habits.

When people feel mentally well, they’re more likely to be active, make healthy food choices, and follow through on medical care. Recognizing the profound link between mental and physical health allows us to adopt a more comprehensive and effective public health approach—one that addresses the wide-ranging needs of individuals and communities. By integrating mental health into chronic disease prevention and care, we can help individuals lead fuller, healthier lives and ensure that no one has to navigate their health journey alone.

As we advocate for whole health approaches to chronic disease, let’s remember that includes caring for our own mental health. This work is personal for many of us, and it can take a toll. Many of us are tired—mentally, physically, and emotionally—from things like crisis response, resource challenges, and growing demands. Yet, as we are grappling with burnout and navigating a complex time for public health, we must continue to show up for our communities. Caring for ourselves is not just an act of self-preservation—it’s an act of leadership.

In times of stress and uncertainty, social connection is one of the most powerful tools we have—not just for mental health, but for sustaining our energy and purpose in the work we do. As public health professionals, we often prioritize the needs of others, but we must also stay connected to each other. Whether through a quick check-in with a colleague, joining a peer network, or simply sharing space to listen and reflect, these moments of connection can ground us, remind us we’re not alone, and help carry us forward. Community is at the heart of public health—and that includes the community we build among ourselves. (Read our 2025 Member Guide to learn more about the many communities you can join at NACDD to connect with your peers.)

This Mental Health Awareness month, I encourage you to join us as state and local public health leaders share how they integrate social connection and mental health into their programs, policies, and practices during our webinar “Integrating Social Connection and Mental Health into Chronic Disease Programs” on May 8 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time. ( Register here)

Guest speakers will highlight innovative strategies, funding opportunities, and key partnerships that can be activated at the state and local levels.

In addition, if you’re looking for a tool to help build healthier routines for your community members, the HALT (Health and Lifestyle Training) platform is a great place to start. HALT delivers practical guidance around nutrition, movement, and stress management. Users have access to a variety of health and disease prevention programs through an easy-to-navigate online platform, delivered in bite-sized, actionable steps that can easily fit into daily life—and isn’t bound by geography.

This year, the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) reported that most rural counties had a lack of access to primary care, mental health, or dental care. The CDC found that rural Americans are more likely to die early from the five top causes of death (heart disease, cancer, unintentional injuries, CLRB, and stroke) compared to their urban counterparts. Rural areas also have a higher burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Read my latest blog on LinkedIn to learn more about the health-related challenges facing rural communities and how HALT can make meaningful change by expanding the options available to rural Americans.

P.S. Join NACDD and the Lupus Foundation of America as we Put on Purple to show our support for the millions affected by lupus on May 10, World Lupus Day. Learn more and spread the word during Lupus Awareness Month: lupus.org/PutOnPurple