About Us

The Chronic Disease Control Branch (CDCB) works to transform systems, structures, and policies that create health-related inequities and promote structural racism. The branch strives to advance racial, social, economic, and environmental justice in collaboration with federal agencies, other state government agencies, non-government organizations,  local county health departments, educational institutions, healthcare organizations and community partners. Through these strategic partnerships, the branch aims to ensure that Californians have the tools and opportunities needed for optimal health, well-being and quality of life. ​

Many Californians have multiple chronic conditions which put them at greater risk for other chronic conditions, limits their ability to exercise or be a member of the workforce, and can lead to an early death. Thirty-eight percent of Californians live with at least one chronic condition. 

CDCB has identified high blood pressure control as a priority focus. CDCB supports ongoing initiatives and activities to improve cardiovascular health by supporting evidence-based programs that promote healthy behaviors and healthy communities, and improves the prevention, diagnosis, and management of chronic disease.

​Branch Leadership

Lauren Groves is the Chief of the CDCB at the California Department of Public Health. In this role, Lauren serves as a member of the Center for Healthy Communities leadership team and oversees and directs programmatic, scientific, professional, and technical staff in planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating chronic disease prevention programs. Lauren leads public health policy to align efforts across multiple chronic disease programs with a focus on upstream prevention activities to address social determinants of health. She plans, organizes, coordinates, and directs statewide chronic disease programs informed by surveillance and epidemiologic analysis and implements policy, systems, and environmental change aimed to minimize negative health, social and legal impacts associated with chronic disease.

​Lauren completed her Master’s in Public Health, Health Policy, Administration, and Management, at the University of Texas and her Bachelor’s in Community Health Education at the University of West Florida. During her time with the State of California, Lauren led the team responsible for addressing Alzheimer’s Disease in California which includes the grant program for research into the causes, treatment, and strategies for coping with and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, Lauren has been part of the senior leadership team at the California Tobacco Control Program where she led multiple successful campaigns targeted at reducing access to tobacco products in California. Prior to joining state service, Lauren worked in Public Health at American Cancer Society and Susan G. Komen building partnerships and leading teams responsible for funding programs fighting to end and prevent cancer. In addition, she worked as a consultant to multiple state departments throughout the country, leading a group of staff focused on quality improvement initiatives to maximize efficiencies and implement best practices within grant management programs. For over eighteen years, Lauren has had the opportunity to work on public health initiatives at the local, state, and national level.