HHS Announces $4 Million in Healthy Communities Funds - June 21, 2011

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on June 16 announced it is seeking grant applications from national networks of community-based organizations to develop programs aimed at reducing chronic disease. In total, HHS will be providing more than $4 million in funds through the National Dissemination and Support for Community Transformation Grant (CTG) program, as authorized by the Affordable Care Act. To qualify for funding, applicants must demonstrate that they are active in at least 85 percent of U.S. states and territories. For programs that focus on minority populations, qualifying organizations must have local affiliates and chapters in at least four states and be able to reach out to at least 30 percent of each states’ selected minority population. CTG funds may be used for a number of initiatives, including tobacco prevention and cessation, anti-obesity efforts, prevention and control of high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and mental wellbeing. More information about the program is available here. Interested parties must apply through www.grants.gov by searching for CDC-RFA-DP11-1115PPHF11; the deadline is July 22, 2011.