From Our Director

On behalf of the faculty, staff and associates of the Center for Managing Chronic Disease, I'm pleased to welcome you to our website.  The Center comprises the work of a large, diverse, multidisciplinary group of researchers and program specialists.  Our goal is to conduct studies and disseminate findings that will have an impact on public health practice and policy.

Over one half of the population worldwide lives with at least one chronic condition.  Chronic disease is a certainty shared directly or indirectly by everyone on the planet.  The burden and cost of chronic illness are staggering. The Center's work aims at broadening our understanding and widening the societal lens regarding the problem of chronic disease.  Our premise is that the central feature of disease prevention and control (the person who manages) has, at best, been underemphasized and, at worst, ignored in designing solutions.  Of course, effective technology is important to disease control.  Of course, good medicines are necessary.  Obviously, we need effective clinical practices and systems.  But it is critical to recognize that 99 percent of disease management is in the hands of individuals and their families; managing at home, at work, at school. Our health system, however, still behaves as if it is professionals, clinics, and hospitals that are disease managers.  

The task is to build the capacity of the real managers - - individuals, their families to be more effective in their efforts and to create the essential support from others - - people, organizations, systems, environments - - that is crucial to their success.  Families need information,  skills, and support. Clinicians and health systems need to be effective partners guiding, coaching, and fostering independence of individuals and families.  Communities need to surround those managing chronic disease with understanding and informed assistance.  If we don't more explicitly shift our focus to the real managers of health and illness and design systems to help them, the burden and costs of service delivery will cause health systems to implode. Millions worldwide to remain stuck with the disruption and anguish of ill health. 

Important problems inspire action and many have been inspired to act in support of the work of the Center for Managing Chronic Disease.  An impressive array of faculty and staff from across the University of Michigan collaborate in the Center's projects.  A wide range of experts from around the world contribute their wisdom and experience to our research and demonstration efforts.  If you click the "People" tab in the navigation bar, you can learn about all of these talented and committed individuals.  Clicking on "Current Programs" will lead you to descriptions of our projects. 

Unfortunately, the numbers indicate that sometime, somewhere you or someone you care about will face the challenge of managing a chronic illness.  We sincerely hope this will not happen, but if it does, we hope the work of the Center will be of help to you and the people you love.

Noreen M. Clark, Ph.D, Director