New US approach to enlist community support for health goals

Citation

(2001), "New US approach to enlist community support for health goals", International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Vol. 14 No. 7. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijhcqa.2001.06214gab.008

New US approach to enlist community support for health goals

New US approach to enlist community support for health goals

In July, US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Mr Tommy G. Thompson announced that HHS plans to award hundreds of "micro-grants" to community organisations for activities that support the goals of Healthy People 2010, the nation's public health agenda for the next decade. The grants, worth up to $2,010 each, will support efforts by local groups to promote health education, quality care, access to care and other projects that support the far-reaching national health goals of Healthy People 2010.

Healthy People 2010 has established a broad set of goals and specific targets for improving the nation's health over the next ten years and, for the first time, has identified the Leading Health Indicators: ten high priority public health challenges. The plan is grouped into focus areas devoted to a comprehensive array of diseases, conditions and public health challenges, such as promoting exercise, reducing obesity and discouraging tobacco use.

HHS will launch the new micro-grant initiative with a two-year pilot project and, if successful, the approach could be expanded nationally. The money can be used for such activities as developing anti-smoking campaign materials for local students, co-ordinating substance abuse prevention forums for parents in local schools, or other specific projects designed to promote prevention and improve health locally. Projects that involve coalitions of community groups may receive preference in obtaining funds.

For further information: More information about Healthy People 2010 is available at http://www.health.gov/healthypeople