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State & Local Projects

Wellness and Prevention Grants

Section: Division A, TitleVII | Agency: Dept. of Health

Competitive and non-competitive programs for clinical and community-based prevention and wellness strategies.

Brief description of program or funding including funding distribution method (formula or competitive grant):  The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has created a comprehensive initiative for the $650 million allotted for evidence-based clinical-based and community-based prevention and wellness strategies in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The goal of this initiative – Communities Putting Prevention to Work – is to reduce risk factors, prevent/delay chronic disease, promote wellness in children and adults, and provide positive, sustainable health change in communities.

Community Program funds will direct funding to large cities and urban areas with more than a 500,000 population. Applications for these grants are due December 1. In addition, the Department of Health is anticipated to apply for funds for two small cities/rural areas. This application is due November 24.

Communities Putting Prevention to Work will address the leading preventable causes of death and disability, namely obesity and tobacco use, by expanding the use of evidence-based strategies and programs, mobilizing local resources at the community-level, and strengthening the capacity of states. As a result of these efforts, powerful models of success are expected to emerge that can be replicated in other states and communities.

The cornerstone of the initiative is the Community Program with cooperative agreements to be awarded to communities through a competitive selection process. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will support evidence-based community approaches to chronic disease prevention and control in selected communities (urban and rural) to achieve the following prevention outcomes:

o   Increased levels of physical activity;

o   Improved nutrition;

o   Decreased overweight/obesity prevalence;

o   Decreased tobacco use; and

o   Decreased exposure to secondhand smoke.

Direct applications for program funds can be submitted to CDC from to large cities and urban areas with more than 500,000 population. Applications for small cities/rural areas must be coordinated by the Department of Health and it is anticipated that an application for obesity prevention, physical activity and nutrition as well as an application for tobacco prevention and control will be developed. Applications for these grants are due December 1.

In addition, supplemental funds will be provided to states to implement statewide policy, environmental and systems changes. These funds will be distributed based on population formulas. Applications for these funds are due to CDC my November 24.

When funds are expected to be available:  Although there has been no formal announcement, we expect the funds to be available within the next three to six months.

How long are funds available:  Approximately two years.

Conditions or prerequisites for accessing funds (include matching or MOE requirements):  Unknown