The Department of Health and Human Services has made available more than $100 million in funding for up to 75 community transformation grants. HHS officials said the grants, funded by the Affordable Care Act, are aimed at helping communities reduce chronic diseases.
"Community Transformation Grants will empower local communities with resources, information and flexibility to help make their residents healthier," HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said in making the grant announcement on May 13. "By helping to transform communities at the ground level, these efforts can have a major impact on the health of Americans."
[See also: New policy brief touts benefits of community healthcare centers.]
Thomas Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said it's critical that the nation develops and spreads effective programs to address heart disease, cancer and stroke.
"These funds will allow us to build on successful programs that have helped people lead healthier lifestyles and help us save millions in healthcare costs in the future," he said.
Chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes are taking a devastating toll on the nation's health, according to the HHS. They're respinsible for seven out of every 10 deaths in the nation,
mostly caused by tobacco use, obesity, poor diet and too little physical activity. Treatment for chronic conditions accounts for more than 75 percent of the more than $2 trillion spent on annual U.S. medical care costs.Obesity is a significant healthcare cost driver; in 2008, about $147 billion of medical bills were weight-related.
According to Sebelius, the new grants will focus on:
- tobacco-free living;
- active living and healthy eating;
- evidence-based quality clinical and other preventive services, specifically prevention and control of high blood pressure and high cholesterol;
- social and emotional wellness, such as facilitating early identification of mental health needs and access to quality services, especially for people with chronic conditions;
- and healthy and safe physical environments.
Successful applicants must use evidence-based strategies and ensure that their activities not only have broad population impact, but also help address health disparities, Sebelius said.
[See also: HHS announces $750M for disease prevention.]