CMS Announces $100 Million in Grants for Healthy Communities - May 17, 2011

The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on May 13 announced it would begin accepting applications for programs aimed at reducing the burden of chronic disease. The Community Transformation Grants, authorized by the Affordable Care Act, will provide up to $100 million in funding to 75 programs focused on five priority areas: tobacco-free living; active living and healthy eating; evidence-based quality clinical and other services, particularly for curbing high blood pressure and high cholesterol; social and emotional wellness; and healthy and safe physical environments. Applicants must show that proposed programs will target a broad population and are aimed at reducing health disparities. State and local governments, tribes and territories, and state and local non-profit organizations are all eligible to apply. Letters of intent are due to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by June 6 and applications are due by July 15. More information on the Community Transformation Grants, as well as a list of conference calls being held by the CDC for interested participants, can be found online.