Health Law and Regulation

Recovery Act Funds Available for Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative

National organizations will have a key role in building a healthier nation as part of the new HHS Communities Putting Prevention to Work initiative. HHS has made available $10 million in funding for national public or private non-profit organizations to help communities decrease smoking and obesity, increase physical activity and improve nutrition.

Communities Putting Prevention to Work will change systems and environments — for example, improving access to healthy foods and opportunities for physical activity — and established policies that will promote the health of populations. Funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), the $10 million 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 CDC.

“In the United States, seven out 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.”

Click here to learn more about HHS’ new initiative and for information on how to apply.

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, March 5, 2010