Evaluation Framework

Section One: Introduction

Among men and women, and across all racial and ethnic groups, heart disease and stroke are among our nation’s leading killers and leading causes of disability. Although most of the major risk factors for heart disease and stroke are modifiable or preventable, more than 80 percent of Americans report having at least one major risk factor or related condition. These include high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, tobacco use, physical inactivity, poor diet, obesity, and diabetes. In addition, major disparities exist among population groups, with certain racial/ethnic groups and other priority populations having substantially higher rates of death and disability from cardiovascular diseases than the overall population.

Recognizing the immense burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD), Congress made funding available in FY 1998 to initiate a national, state-based CVD prevention program. The State Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program is administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Through categorical funding, the State Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program is designed to increase the leadership of state health departments in cardiovascular health promotion and cardiovascular disease prevention and control and to expand and direct efforts to establish a national CVH program.

As states conduct activities related to CVH promotion and CVD prevention, they will want to evaluate their programs. The purpose of this evaluation framework is to help states and partners understand CDC's goals for CVH State Program evaluation and the importance of using evaluation information for planning and program improvement. This document outlines suggested program activities and evaluation goals for participating states.

Date last reviewed: 05/12/2006
Content source: Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion