Empire State Review Contributor 
On July 10, 2025, approximately 120 national and regional leaders from government, healthcare, biotech, and patient advocacy convened at the ARPA-H Customer Experience Hub in Dallas, Texas, for the Chronic Disease Awareness Summit. The summit addressed critical challenges facing patient communities, explored strategies to enhance care accessibility, and aimed to advance equity in the healthcare system.
The event was organized by Good Days, a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals with chronic illnesses, in partnership with over two dozen patient advocacy organizations. The summit coincided with National Chronic Disease Awareness Day, observed annually on July 10 to highlight the fact that chronic diseases account for seven of the top ten leading causes of death in the United States.
Chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders affect nearly half of all Americans and are responsible for approximately 1.7 million deaths annually. These conditions also account for more than 90% of the nation’s $4.5 trillion in annual healthcare expenditures. The summit aimed to address these staggering statistics by fostering collaboration among key stakeholders to develop innovative solutions for prevention, treatment, and care delivery.
The summit featured a series of keynote addresses and panel discussions led by prominent figures in the healthcare and biotech sectors. Jenny Ligon, Ecosystem Liaison at the ARPA-H Customer Experience Hub, opened the event by emphasizing the importance of patient-centered innovation in addressing chronic disease challenges.
Clorinda Walley, President of Good Days, highlighted the organization’s commitment to improving access to care and reducing health disparities. “Our mission is to ensure that no one faces the burden of chronic illness alone,” Walley stated. “By bringing together diverse voices, we can create a more equitable healthcare system that serves all communities.”
Other notable speakers included Sulagna Bhattacharya, President of Nanoscope Therapeutics, who discussed advancements in gene therapy for degenerative eye diseases, and Jen Peterson, Miss Texas for America Strong 2023 and a patient advocate, who shared her personal journey living with a chronic condition.
A central theme of the summit was the integration of cutting-edge technology and data analytics to improve chronic disease management. Participants explored how artificial intelligence, wearable devices, and telemedicine can enhance patient monitoring, facilitate early diagnosis, and personalize treatment plans.
The summit also addressed the need for equitable access to these innovations. Discussions centered on strategies to bridge the digital divide, ensure affordability, and tailor interventions to meet the unique needs of underserved populations.
In conjunction with the summit, Good Days and its partners advocated for increased federal funding for chronic disease prevention and health promotion. They also emphasized the importance of legislative measures to expand healthcare access, reduce costs, and support research initiatives.
The observance of National Chronic Disease Awareness Day served as a platform to amplify these advocacy efforts. Supporters across the country participated in the “I Stay Strong” social media campaign, sharing personal stories and messages of resilience to raise awareness and foster community support.
The summit concluded with a call to action for continued collaboration among stakeholders to address the growing burden of chronic diseases. Organizers expressed optimism that the insights and partnerships formed during the event would catalyze meaningful progress in the fight against chronic illness.
