Community prevention and wellness initiatives: HHS announces availability of $10M ARRA funds

National organizations will have a key role in building a healthier nation as part of the new U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Communities Putting Prevention to Work initiative. HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced a funding opportunity for national public or private non-profit organizations to apply for $10 million in cooperative agreements to help communities decrease smoking and obesity, increase physical activity and improve nutrition.

“Tobacco, obesity, poor nutrition and lack of physical activity are significant drivers of the nation’s disease rates. National organizations have the knowledge and experience to help communities tackle these hard issues. Additionally, national organization’s extensive networks will expand the reach and impact of the Communities Putting Prevention to Work initiative.”

“National organizations will help move America toward better health,” said Secretary Sebelius. “Last month the First Lady announced the Let’s Move campaign calling for public-private partnerships across states, local governments, and committed and trusted organizations to help communities implement proven prevention strategies. This opportunity is one of many steps HHS is taking to putting America on track to live longer, healthier lives while reducing health care costs.”

Communities Putting Prevention to Work will change systems and environments—for example, improving access to healthy foods and opportunities for physical activity—and putting into place policies that will promote the health of populations. Funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), the $10 million in available funds will be awarded to national organizations through a competitive agreement process. With these funds, national organizations will provide expert guidance to communities, help sustain prevention efforts when recovery act funding ends, and foster a national movement toward prevention by implementing key practices across their networks and systems. The HHS Office of Public Health and Science is leading the national organizations component of Communities Putting Prevention to Work in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“In the United States, 7 of 10 deaths result from chronic disease,” said HHS Assistant Secretary for Health Howard K. Koh, M.D., M.P.H. “Tobacco, obesity, poor nutrition and lack of physical activity are significant drivers of the nation’s disease rates. National organizations have the knowledge and experience to help communities tackle these hard issues. Additionally, national organization’s extensive networks will expand the reach and impact of the Communities Putting Prevention to Work initiative.”

National organizations interested in applying for Communities Putting Prevention to Work- Leveraging National Organizations cooperative agreements can find more information at www.grants.gov. The application deadline is April 19, 2010. To learn more about the Communities Putting Prevention to Work- Leveraging National Organizations program please visit: http://www.hhs.gov/ophs/funding/index.html