HHS Awards $2 Million to YMCA

[The Straight Story]

HHS Awards $2 Million to YMCA to Help Strengthen Network of Steps Communities

9/9/2004 10:48:00 AM


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To: National Desk

Contact: HHS Press Office, 202-690-6343

WASHINGTON, Sept. 9 /U.S. Newswire/ -- HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today announced $2 million in grants to the national office of the YMCA (Y-USA) to help build strong partnerships with local communities and promote better health and prevent disease among all Americans. The grants are part of President George W. Bush's Steps to a HealthierUS initiative, which aims to help Americans live longer, healthier lives by reducing the burden of diabetes, overweight, obesity and asthma and by addressing three related risk factors -- physical inactivity, poor nutrition and tobacco use.

With more than 2,500 YMCA's in the country, this funding will help strengthen the network of local YMCA chapters by developing and implementing strategies to work together with previously funded "Steps" communities. The partnership will use the best scientific and educational information available to help in their efforts to reduce the burden of diabetes, obesity and asthma. Currently there are 23 Steps communities, including one tribal consortium, 15 small cities or rural communities and seven large cities.

"Partnering with the network of YMCA's throughout the country will allow us to broaden our efforts to improve the health of all Americans," Secretary Thompson said. "With YMCA's ability to reach up to 10,000 communities and their strong foundation and vigor, we can reach more people and address the needs to increase physical activity, improve nutrition, and end tobacco use."

The $2 million in grants, distributed over four years, will be awarded in two stages. The first stage will bring together Steps-funded communities, local YMCA's, HHS experts and other national organizations to create local events built around existing YMCA programs like "Healthy Kid's Day", "World's Largest Walk/Run", current YMCA school and after-school health promotion activities, and current YMCA educational classes that advance health and wellness programming. The second stage will allow local YMCA's in Steps communities to apply for mini-grants from Y-USA based on their proposals.

......


http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=35894