Unless we address the epidemic of chronic disease, Americans face higher costs, lower quality of care and fewer choices for people who need care.

In Iowa, we have a chance to do something. It starts with making our voices heard.

As candidates for the White House campaign in our first-in-the-nation caucuses, the questions asked and concerns raised here will have an impact on the national health care agenda, and the health of families all across Iowa.

But it doesn't end there. Elected officials and policy makers at all levels of government -local, state and federal-can make a difference on this important issue.

The Partnership for Better Health is a network of health care organizations, providers, advocates and consumers dedicated to lowering the cost of care through prevention, intervention and innovation.