Workplace fitness grants promote preventive health.
Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, workplace wellness and fitness grants provide employers financial assistance to develop comprehensive programs that will help to combat chronic illness and stress-related ailments among employees. In addition to providing wellness programs, employers can use the grants to create support services, counseling and preventive health screening programs.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Forty-four communities nationwide received wellness grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support various programs like obesity prevention, smoking cessation, nutrition and sports and fitness. HHS wellness grants totaled $372 million. The grant was made possible under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and is an HHS Putting America to Work initiative that has the support of First Lady Michelle Obama. The grants will assist community leaders and workplace administrators in their efforts to develop comprehensive preventive health programs. HHS anticipates that the grant will support wellness programs and curb chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart attacks, strokes and cancer.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Ave. SW
Washington, DC 20201
877-696-6775
hhs.gov
Wisconsin Office of Rural Health
Under the Rural Community grant award, the Wisconsin Office of Rural Health administers a wide array of HHS wellness grants and programs. The Edgerton Employee Health Initiative seeks to expand community wellness packages by evaluating the needs of employers and implementing a pilot wellness program. The Small Business Worksite Wellness Project at Green Lake County's Department of Health and Human Services will conduct a workplace needs assessment to develop new worksite health programs for small business employers.
Wisconsin Office of Rural Health
310 N. Midvale Blvd., Suite 301
Madison, WI 53705
608-261-1883
worh.org
American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is based in Dallas, Texas, and is dedicated to combating heart disease and strokes in American society through a variety of programs and educational initiatives. AHA is one of 10 national organizations to receive an HHS wellness grant. Along with other national organizations AHA will provide expert guidance and preventive care recommendations to community programs and workplace administrators. AHA will participate in smoking cessation programs for employees, and recommend strategies that discourage tobacco use. Other programs include coronary heart disease prevention, nutrition, and exercise and tips on leading healthy lifestyles.
American Heart Association
7272 Greenville Ave
Dallas, TX 75231
800-242-8721
heart.org
Tags: Department Health, Department Health Human, Health Human, Health Human Services, Human Services, American Heart, American Heart Association
