Health Promotion and Chronic Disease

The Health Promotion and Chronic Disease (HPCD) Division provides leadership for the prevention and management of chronic diseases and disabilities in Minnesota.

• Health Promotion & Chronic Disease Organizational Chart (PDF)
• Health Promotion & Chronic Disease Division Summary (PDF): an in-depth look at all the programs in HPCD, including priority topics, recent media, and community impact.

Learn more about HPCD. This page provides just a few brief examples of how HPCD prevents and reduces the impact of chronic disease in Minnesota: HPCD Highlights

What we do

• We work to advance health equity and reduce health disparities in Minnesota.
• We develop, implement, and support culturally respectful programs designed to reduce the burden of chronic diseases.
• We collect, share, and use data and best practices to inform actions at the community, state, and national levels.
• We address social determinants of health in our work and collaborate with diverse partners to strengthen impact.

Preventing chronic diseases and injuries has the potential to save Minnesota millions of dollars in health care costs and lost productivity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 90% of the nation’s $4.1 trillion in annual health care expenditures are for people with chronic and mental health conditions (CDC, 2022). Many common diseases (e.g., cancer, diabetes, heart disease and stroke) can be prevented if we work together to implement evidence-based, prevention strategies.

In Minnesota, about four out of ten people will be diagnosed with some type of cancer in their lifetime. Although the cancer mortality rate has decreased in Minnesota over the past 20 years, one out of four Minnesotans die of cancer. 

Learn more about HPCD's Strategic Planning.

Partners

Our partners include local health departments, tribal communities, non-profit organizations, health care providers, other state agencies and professional alliances.

Together our efforts will ensure that people in Minnesota have the knowledge and skills they need to live the healthiest lives possible; that they live, learn, work and play in safe and healthy environments; and that they receive the right care in the right place at the right time.

Sections and programs within HPCD

Cancer Control and Prevention/Sage Programs

Cancer Control and Sage Cancer Programs work to reduce the burden of cancer in Minnesota through cancer prevention and control services. We work to reduce death and illness from cancers for which early detection saves lives:  breast, cervical, colorectal, prostate, and skin cancer.  

Center for Health Promotion

The Center for Health Promotion investigates, promotes, and translates effective ways for Minnesotans to live healthy lives. This includes analyzing and reporting data on preventable chronic diseases/conditions; supporting policies and systems of care that promote health; and creating public awareness of ways to prevent and daily management of chronic diseases and conditions.

Chronic Disease and Environmental Epidemiology

Chronic Disease and Environmental Epidemiology monitors the occurrence of cancer and other chronic diseases, and responds to reports of chronic disease "outbreaks." We operate a statewide system of surveillance for all newly diagnosed cancer cases in the state.

• Long COVID
• Minnesota Cancer Reporting System
• Sickle Cell Disease

Office of Statewide Health Improvement Initiatives

OSHII supports all Minnesotans in leading healthier lives, raising healthier families and building healthier communities by preventing chronic disease well before it starts. This office includes the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP).

Learn more

	Preventing and managing chronic disease for a thriving Minnesota (PDF) Chronic diseases can be managed or prevented with the right tools. Learn more about how MDH supports programs and policies that make it easier for Minnesotans to have a good quality of life.
	Reducing chronic disease harms through community-clinical linkages (PDF) When public health, clinics, and community partners work together, people in Minnesota have better access to the resources they need to prevent, delay, or manage chronic diseases. Learn more about community-clinical linkages.