Figure 1. Logic Model for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Programs

This graphic shows the sequence of steps that state cardiovascular health programs aim to achieve and how these outcomes are linked. The graphic begins by listing the three ways that CDC supports state efforts to prevent heart disease and stroke: 1) by providing guidance, funds, technical assistance and training, and forums for communicating and networking; 2) by identifying indicators to monitor when conducting surveillance; and 3) by providing evaluation plans, applied research data, and best practices information to help states conduct effective interventions. With this support, states are better able to perform the following activities: 1) develop state-level partnerships to prevent cardiovascular disease; conduct scientific, epidemiologic, and evaluation research; inventory the current status of health care systems strategies; provide technical assistance and training to staff and partners; make culturally appropriate plans for high-priority populations; and develop program and managerial infrastructure; 2) collect data on and monitor the state burden of cardiovascular disease and related indicators; and 3) carry out state-developed interventions and best practices. The graphic depicts how the state activities are linked to a state plan that, in turn, produces the following short-term outcomes: 1) development of a state cardiovascular health work plan and new strategies for system-level changes; 2) coordination of state efforts in cardiovascular health assessment, communication, education, and training; 3) more effective implementation of interventions within settings and high-priority populations; and action by change agents to activate intended audiences. These outcomes lead to the following intermediate outcomes: 1) policy and environmental support for cardiovascular health that is at the state and local levels; is in place in health care, worksite, community, and school settings; and targets high-priority populations as well as the general population; 2) readiness for change in the population; and 3) measurement and compilation of these outcomes. Finally, the graphic shows how these intermediate outcomes are related to each other and how they eventually lead to the following long-term outcomes: 1) individual behavior changes and better health; 2) reduced death and disability; and 3) elimination of cardiovascular health disparities between the general and high-priority populations.