CHICAGO — The American Medical Association (AMA) today announced that it was awarded $4.15 million as part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Partners Cooperative Agreement, a 5-year initiative aimed at strengthening the U.S. public health infrastructure and workforce. One of 48 public health partners nationwide, the AMA will receive funding for projects to increase screenings for infectious diseases, improve blood pressure control to prevent heart attacks and strokes, help physicians navigate brain health and dementia care, and improve care for people living with pain. 

“Physicians share a sacred, trust-based relationship with their patients and work on the front lines every day helping patients prevent, and heal from, acute and chronic health conditions. At the same time, physicians recognize that their responsibility extends beyond their individual patients and understand the great importance of protecting and promoting the health of their community and the general public,” said AMA President Bruce A. Scott, M.D. “We know that partnerships between health care and public health are essential to protect the health of the nation. The AMA looks forward to collaborating with the CDC and other partners over the next 5 years to implement these projects that will help improve health outcomes for all people.”  

The CDC’s National Partners Cooperative Agreement is the agency’s largest umbrella funding mechanism and represents a significant investment to build capacity across the U.S. public health system to improve health outcomes and reduce health inequities. Announced earlier this week, the 48 award recipients span various sectors, public health specialties, and population groups, bringing diverse expertise needed across public health. Through this funding, the AMA will lead both new and ongoing initiatives to help bolster the nation’s public health infrastructure and workforce by providing physicians and trainees with the tools and education they need to implement evidenced-based health interventions, policies, processes, and programs to improve health outcomes.  

The AMA is committed to improving the health of the nation by leading the charge to prevent and reduce the burden of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease. The AMA also has extensive policy supporting evidenced-based preventive services, including screening for infectious diseases. The AMA will continue to support policies, programs, and collaboration that protect public health.