Model Communities
This grassroots, community-driven program is designed to facilitate and empower local-level change. Financial and technical resources will be offered to local government, community institutions, schools, businesses, healthcare entities or community coalitions interested in advancing changes in policy and to the environment that:
- increase availability, accessibility, and demand for nutritional options;
- decrease opportunities for excess caloric intake from unhealthy foods and beverages;
- increase or improve access to physical activity through the built environment; OR
- promote smoke-free environments.
The Model Communities program is a project of the Suburban Cook County Chronic Disease Prevention Network.
Mini-Grant Pilot Program
A total of $30,000 is available for this pilot program, which is supported by funds from the Action Communities for Health, Innovation, and EnVironmental changE (ACHIEVE) initiative of the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) (sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
Six $5,000 Model Communities grants have been awarded to agencies that have proposed making policy and environmental changes to support individuals and families in their efforts to lead healthy, active lives.
- Awardee: Alexian Brothers Medical Center
Project description:
Alexian Brothers Medical Center, in partnership with physicians, will create a sustainable funding system that will support tobacco cessation for the hospital’s patients and employees.
- Awardee: City of Oak Forest
Project description:
The City of Oak Forest will increase physical activity by connecting the community with a bike/walk path in the forest preserve.
- Awardee: Corazón Community Services
Project description:
Corazon Community Services will institutionalize promotion of healthy options in the school cafeteria in the community of Cicero to encourage students and staff to make healthier food choices.
- Awardee: District 63 Education Foundation/ TLC Program (Apollo Elementary)
Project description:
District 63 Education Foundation/TLC Program aims to provide 30 minutes of recess per day beginning in the Fall 2010, as well as review the recent wellness policy in unincorporated Maine Township.
- Awardee: Harvey Cultural Center
Project description:
The Harvey Cultural Center will establish and sustain three community gardens that will provide youth and adults in the community of Harvey with vegetables, outdoor exercise, and training.
- Awardee: Village of Tinley Park
Project description:
The Village of Tinley Park will establish a Public Health Task Force to formulate policy recommendations for the village, schools, and park district that will impact the nutrition and physical activity landscape that will improve resident’s wellness.
For general questions about the Model Communities Mini-Grant program, please contact Gina Massuda Barnett at 708-492-2901 or via e-mail at gmassud@cookcountygov.com.
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