Chronic and Infectious Diseases

Although almost half the adult U.S. population has one or more chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and addiction, they can often be prevented and treated successfully. AIR’s work draws on effective strategies that aim to prevent these diseases, increase access to quality care, and mitigate health disparities. 

For more than 15 years, AIR has developed award-winning communications and behavior-change campaigns and led outreach to clinicians, patients, and caregivers on cardiovascular health, nutrition, and obesity for the National Institutes of Health and other HHS agencies. Our staff works to prevent and control breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and childhood cancers for CDC, the National Cancer Institute, and advocacy organizations. We have developed and implemented CDC HIV prevention campaigns, developed important immunization safety information for HHS’ National Vaccine Program Office, and supported HHS’ development of public information to prepare for and respond to emerging threats, such as pandemic flu and Ebola.

Related Topics

HIV/AIDS

 

Latest Work

Project

Southwest Americans with Disabilities Act Center Research Collaboration

All people with cancer are eligible to apply for vocational rehabilitation (VR) services but many do not know it. In collaboration with AIR’s client the Southwest ADA Center, and researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, AIR staff are developing a protocol healthcare providers can use to screen patients for referral to disability-related programs and services.
1 Dec 2015
Commentary

Rising Death Rates Bring New Meaning to Mid-Life Crisis for Americans—Especially White Women

A recent high-profile study of sharply rising mortality rates for some Americans brought to light the hazards of chronic stress. Principal researcher Kathryn Paez explores why the health of middle-aged white women in particular is suffering.
Topic: 
Health and Wellness Across the Lifespan, Aging, Chronic and Infectious Diseases, Substance Use Disorders
Project

Better Understanding Sickle Cell Patients’ Health-Related Quality of Life

Scientific breakthroughs in detecting and treating rare diseases are expanding life expectancies for individuals in unprecedented ways. Yet these advances raise new questions about the impact and experience of the disease across the lifespan. With funding from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, AIR led a team of researchers to develop an Sickle Cell Disease Patient-Reported Outcome measurement system called ASCQ-Me that would help to bridge the gaps in understanding about adult patients’ experiences and long-term needs.
17 Jan 2014
Report

AIR a Key Partner in the 2014 Surgeon General's Report on Smoking & Health

The latest Surgeon General’s Report, “The Health Consequences of Smoking – 50 Years of Progress,” marks the 50th anniversary of the landmark reports warning about the health hazards of smoking. Fifty years, 20 million American deaths, and 32 Surgeon General Reports later, smoking has retained its decades-old spot as the largest single cause of preventable death and disease for U.S. citizens.
Topic: 
Health and Wellness Across the Lifespan, Chronic and Infectious Diseases, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
5 Jun 2013
Video

A Voice for Sickle Cell Disease (Video)

In this video, Mandy David, a certified physician assistant and senior communications specialist at AIR, talks about issues that adult sickle cell patients face as she evaluates and treats them at the Johns Hopkins Sickle Cell Center for Adults.
Topic: 
Health and Wellness Across the Lifespan, Chronic and Infectious Diseases
Project

National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases - Communications Support

For nearly ten years, AIR has supported the Office of Communications and Government Relations at the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in the strategy and tactics of translating, tailoring and disseminating research findings and funding opportunities to a diverse audience of researchers, policy makers, clinicians, providers and caregivers.

Project

Sickle Cell Guidelines

AIR is working alongside the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to develop, implement, and evaluate the National Blood Disorders Program (NBDP). The NBDP’s initial focus is on sickle cell disease and the release of the first evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to manage the condition.

Project

The Community Health Worker Health Disparities Initiative Program

AIR’s evaluation of two National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) community-based initiatives will contribute to improved service delivery and a better understanding of the effectiveness of community-based programs for health promotion.

Project

Vaccine Safety

AIR conducted media and influencer analyses that examined the content and tone of traditional and online media coverage of vaccines and vaccine safety, identified supportive individuals and organizations, and recommended influential and vocal allies. Our findings helped inform the National Vaccine Program Office's messaging and media outreach strategy.

Project

Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Network Center

A key component of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Network Center is an information management system for PROMIS including continuously updated listing of publications and Twitter feed. AIR consults with users of PROMIS measures to assist them in integrating PROMIS into their research or Patient Reported Outcome performance measures.
Project

CMS Integrated Chronic Disease Quality Performance Measurement at the Level of the Physician’s Office

Defining overall quality measures of physician performance with respect to chronic disease management and preventive care for older adults and to define strategies for quality improvement and physician recognition programs.

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