Join the APA Washington Task Force to Help Create a Healthier Future

The American Planning Association recently received a funding award from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as part of the National Dissemination and Implementation Program. These funds have allowed APA to bring support to local coalitions through APA chapters in an effort to reduce chronic disease in communities across the United States—and represent the first time APA has been able offer monetary resources to promote public health.

The purpose of this funding opportunity is to improve the capacity of planning and public health professionals to advance community-based strategies providing for equitable access to healthcare and nutritious foods, opportunities for physical activity, and less exposure to and consumption of tobacco.

Through an overarching collaborative strategy that brings together members of APA and the American Public Health Association (APHA) working in communities, this project will address population health goals by promoting the inclusion of health in non-traditional sectors—specifically, urban and regional planning, but also transportation, recreation, real estate development, and others.

Funds for this project will be competitively awarded to build local capacity in grantee communities across the U.S. and empower actors to continue such work beyond the funding cycle.

Each applicant’s proposal must address one or more of the following determinants of chronic disease:

• Inactivity: Increase opportunities for physical activity

• Unhealthy diet: Improve access to nutritious food

• Tobacco: Decrease exposure to and use of tobacco and nicotine products

• Lack of access to preventive care: Increase access to health care

If you would like to take part in a Washington APA Task Force to develop a funding proposal from our Chapter, please contact Paula Reeves at [email protected] or 360-701-1943.  This Task Force will be meeting in the short term, and our proposal will be made available for member review and comment.


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