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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 18, 2003
Contact:
Sherri McDonald, Director of Public Health & Social
Services, 786-5581, ext. 7680
Federal grant will help Thurston County
fight asthma, diabetes, and obesity
Washington
one of only four states, Thurston County one of four counties, to receive
award.
OLYMPIA —
The Washington State Department of Health has been awarded a $30 million,
five-year grant to help combat certain chronic disease and their causes (risk
factors). Thurston County has been awarded nearly $6 million of this grant.
The goal is to improve the health of children and adults across Thurston
County through diabetes and asthma prevention, earlier detection, and avoiding
complications from these diseases. The project will also work to prevent and
control obesity through physical activity and promoting healthier eating
habits, while enhancing tobacco prevention and control efforts.
“Prevention is a cornerstone of public health,”
said Secretary of Health Mary Selecky. “This grant is an important step in
helping us gain ground against the ravages of some of our most common chronic
diseases and health conditions.”
“We would not have this opportunity to implement
programs for chronic disease prevention without the help of our community
partners, particularly Providence St. Peter Family Practice,” said Thurston
County Public Health & Social Services Director Sherri McDonald.
“Their role will be essential in improving the care of diabetic
patients.”
Nationally, Department of Health and Human Services is
funding four states, 10 to 12 cities and one tribal nation, said Secretary
Tommy Thompson in a news conference earlier today.
Thurston County is one of four communities chosen as
recipient of this grant because it has significant
chronic disease mortality rates and high rates of diabetes, asthma and chronic
disease risk factors, including substantial numbers of socio-economically
disadvantaged residents. Thurston County has also demonstrated an ability to
mobilize community members to address public health issues.
The STEPS program will work with the state
Superintendent of Public Instruction and schools in to promote healthy choices
and activities. The school health education programs will focus on physical
activity, healthy eating, tobacco prevention and control and creating
healthier school environments. Another goal of the grant is implementing
recent legislation requiring student health plans for all students with
diabetes or any other life-threatening diseases, such as asthma.
Federal funding for the first year will be $306,900.
Congress has not yet approved funding for additional years. Please see
attached fact sheet for additional information on Thurston County’s
participation in the STEPS to a Healthier US.
Contacts:
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WA State Department of Health: Tim Church 360-236-4077
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Thurston County Department of Public Health and Social Services,
Sherri McDonald, RN, MPA, Director: 360-786-5581 ext. 7680; fax: 360-754-2988;
mcdonas@co.thurston.wa.us
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