The federal government has granted states and territories $119 million to reduce tobacco use, increase physical activity, and fight obesity, the Health and Human Services department announced.
The grants are funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, also known as the stimulus package.
The money will go to programs aimed at prevention and wellness, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said at a press conference.
“Prevention is a 'best buy' for health,” Dr. Thomas Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said at the conference. The CDC will help states implement the grants.
The awards were made in three major categories: policy and environmental changes; innovative programs; and tobacco cessation/telephone-based “quitlines.” All 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico will receive funding to expand quitlines.
Dr. Frieden called the lines “highly cost effective,” noting that tobacco-related disease is the No. 1 cause of preventable death, and that two-thirds of smokers want to quit, but haven't found the right motivation or program.
Innovative programs in 13 states will receive money for 15 projects. Among those states, Mississippi will receive $3 million to fund a statewide smoke-free air policy and Rhode Island will receive $3 million to fund a program to help elderly residents age at home. These programs will likely serve as models for other states, said Ms. Sebelius.
For details, visit www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/recovery
The 'quitlines' are 'highly cost effective.' Most smokers want to quit, but haven't found the right program.
Source DR. FRIEDEN