REACH 2014 Awardees
ShareCompartir
Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) is a national program administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) aimed at reducing racial and ethnic disparities in health. Through REACH 2014, CDC supports awardee partners that will establish community-based programs and culturally-tailored interventions serving African Americans, American Indians, Hispanics/Latinos, Asian Americans, Alaska Natives, and Pacific Islanders.
Interventions focus on proper nutrition, physical activity, tobacco use and exposure, and chronic disease prevention, risk reduction and management opportunities. Additionally, awardees will address health disparities in heart disease, diabetes, and infant health. The intent of REACH is to build an evidence base that supports community-centered approaches to reducing or eliminating health disparities. REACH strategies will impact at least 75% of the selected priority population.
REACH will support two types of awardees:
- 20 Basic Implementation Awardees identified at least one chronic disease factor that will impact the proposed target population
- 29 Comprehensive Implementation Awardees identified at least two chronic disease factors that will impact the proposed target population.
Awardees proposed specific activities to address the leading risk factors for the major causes of death and disability in the United States: tobacco use, poor nutrition, and physical inactivity.
Basic Implementation Awards
Awardee Name: Asian Services in Action, Inc. (ASIA)
Award Amount: $422,123
Geographic Location(s) of Work: Cuyahoga County, Ohio (Greater Cleveland Area)
Sector: Nongovernmental, Community-based organization
Priority Population(s): Asian-American and Pacific Islanders living in the Greater Cleveland geographic jurisdiction, including Cuyahoga, Lorain, Lake, Medina, Geauga, Summit, and Portage counties.
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Mr. Michael Byun
730 Carroll Street
Akron, OH 44304-1965
Tel: 330-535-3263
Email: mbyun@asiaohio.org
Project Overview: Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities, especially those who are newly arriving, face major health-related barriers and health disparities. Building on previous community health investments, ASIA will partner with Cleveland’s AsiaTown neighborhood, The Cuyahoga County Board of Health, and other groups to increase access to healthy food options, nutrition education and physical activity opportunities.
Awardee Name: The Balm In Gilead
Award Amount: $500,000
Geographic Location(s) of Work: Richmond Metropolitan Statistical Area, Virginia
Sector: Nongovernmental, Public Health
Priority Population(s): African Americans residing in the Richmond Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Dr. Pernesa Seele
4108 E. Parham Road
Richmond, VA 23228
Tel: 804-644-2256
Email: pseele@balmingilead.org
Project Overview: In central Virginia, a third of the residents have been diagnosed with high blood pressure. In Charles City County and the City of Richmond that proportion rose to 47% and 45% respectively. In fact, on average, the percentage of African Americans reporting high blood pressure is at least 17% higher than that of the Whites (RMSA, 2013). To address this issue, the Balm In Gilead, in partnership with the Central Virginia Interfaith Coalition and other community organizations, will increase access to physical activity opportunities. The collaborative will support 10 faith‐based organizations who will serve as catalysts to promote physical activity and improve environments for African Americans residing in target Richmond communities.
Awardee Name: California Center for Public Health Advocacy (CCPHA)
Award Amount: $484,389
Geographic Location(s) of Work: Stockton County, California
Sector: Nongovernmental, Public Health
Priority Population(s): African Americans living in Stockton County
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Ms. Charlotte Dickson
401 North San Joaquin Street
Suite 114
Stockton, CA 95202
Tel: 510-302-3387
Email: cd@publichealthadvocacy.org
Project Overview: In Stockton County, California, access to healthy food is limited. Residents have no or low access to healthy foods and beverages, contributing to the area’s high obesity and chronic disease rates. CCPHA will collaborate with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Stockton Branch and other local organizations to increase access to healthy food and beverages. They will also work to increase access to breastfeeding accommodations for nursing moms.
Awardee Name: Central Maine Community Health Corporation (CMCH)
Award Amount: $313,469
Geographic Location(s) of Work: Androscoggin County, Maine
Sector: Nongovernmental, Foundation/Philanthropy
Priority Population(s): Somali, Somali Bantu, Sudanese, Djiboutian, and other Black/African Americans living in the cities of Lewiston and Auburn
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Mr. Steven Johndro
300 Main Street
Lewiston, ME 04240
Tel: 207-795-5990
Email: JOHNDRST@CMHC.ORG
Project Overview: CMCH will collaborate with local community organizations to increase access to chronic disease management resources at healthcare organizations, pharmacies, and social service organizations.
Awardee Name: City of Pasadena
Award Amount: $500,000
Geographic Location(s) of Work: Northwest Pasadena
Priority Population(s): African-American and Hispanic residents
Sector: Governmental, Public Health
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Ms. Statice Wilmore
1845 North Fair Oaks Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91103
Tel: 626-744-6051
Email: swilmore@cityofpasadena.net
Project Overview: While exposure to secondhand smoke is harmful to adults and leads to serious health complications and disease, the effects of exposure to secondhand smoke is particularly dangerous for infants and children. For example, babies are more likely to die from sudden infant death syndrome. The City of Pasadena will work to reduce racial and ethnic health disparities that exist in Northwest Pasadena due to disproportionately high rates of tobacco use and exposure among African-American and Latino populations. The project will implement culturally tailored strategies designed to make healthy living easier where residents live, learn, work, and play. By changing social norms, the default behavior for how people in the community think and act will leave lasting impact in the neighborhood. The project will benefit from the engagement and participation of the multi-sector Pasadena Tobacco Prevention Coalition which will bring unique knowledge of the needs, barriers, and assets of Northwest Pasadena to the project’s public health approach.
Awardee Name: The Colorado Black Health Collaborative, Inc. (CBHC)
Award Amount: $455,239
Geographic Location(s) of Work: Denver, Colorado
Sector: Nongovernmental, Public Health
Priority Population(s): African Americans living in Denver and Arapahoe counties and the Denver Metro area (Northwest Aurora)
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Dr. Terri Richardson
17815 E. Powers Drive
Centennial, CO 80015
Tel: 303-229-7370
Email: Terri.Richardson@kp.org
Project Overview: Eighty-one percent of African Americans in Colorado eat fewer than five servings of fruits and vegetables and 21% do not engage in any regular physical activity (Colorado Department of Health and Environment Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities in Colorado 2009 report). The CBHC will collaborate with a network of public/private healthcare professionals, providers, and the community to conduct trainings and increase access to health education resources. CBHC and its partners will also target efforts to improve linkages to clinical and community services that help prevent and manage chronic conditions.
Awardee Name: Creighton University
Award Amount: $492,926
Geographic Location(s) of Work: Douglas County, Nebraska
Priority Population(s): African Americans
Sector: Nongovernmental, Education
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Dr. Omofolasade (Sade) B. Kosoko-Lasaki
2500 California Plaza
Omaha, Nebraska 68178
Tel: 402-280-2332
Email: skosoko@creighton.edu
Project Overview: In Douglas County, Nebraska, minorities experience above average incidences of death and disability due to chronic diseases. For instance, African Americans exceed the county rate of heart disease, and death from stroke in the African-American community is 1.5 times higher than U.S. rates. Creighton University will partner with the Omaha Housing Authority and other local groups to improve health education, screening, and healthcare referrals for African Americans living in the Omaha area. The project is a partnership that has joined forces with community organizations in Douglas County, Nebraska, to collaborate with churches and the Omaha Housing Authority to develop health standards that promote healthy living where residents live, work, play, and pray.
Awardee Name: George Washington University
Award Amount: $500,000
Geographic Location(s) of Work: Langley Park, Maryland
Sector: Nongovernmental, Education
Priority Population(s): Hispanic/Latino Populations in the Langley Park and Prince George county area
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Dr. Mark Edberg
2175 K Street, NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20037
Tel: 202-994-3584
Email: medberg@gwu.edu
Project Overview: George Washington University will engage in a community-based participatory model to strengthen an existing community coalition in Langley Park, MD. The project will select, implement, evaluate, and disseminate best practices to address the key risk factors of poor nutrition, resulting in positive changes in obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The REACH coalition will build on an existing body of work that, incorporates the university, a community partnership, and preliminary work already underway as part of the Center’s relationship with the community and other programs.
Awardee Name: Greenwood Leflore Hospital
Award Amount: $313,107
Geographic Location(s) of Work: Mississippi
Priority Population(s): African Americans living in the Mississippi Delta (Leflore County, Holmes County, and Tallahatchie County)
Sector: Nongovernmental, Healthcare/Hospital
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Mrs. Dodie McElmurray
1401 River Road
Greenwood, MS 38930-2219
Tel: 662-459-2690
Email: dmcelmurray@glh.org
Project Overview: ManyAfrican Americans in the Mississippi Delta live in neighborhoods not easily accessible to stores that offer healthy food and beverages. Most of these neighborhoods also lack sidewalks and walking trails. In an effort to address these issues, Greenwood Leflore Hospital will collaborate with local organizations to increase access to chronic disease prevention resources and self-management programs at worksites and in community settings. They will also establish health information technology systems to collect data that can be shared across multiple health care organizations and leveraged for quality improvement and prevention activities.
Awardee Name: Kōkua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services
Geographic Location(s) of Work: Kalihi Valley of Honolulu County, Hawaii
Award Amount: $400,580
Sector: Nongovernmental, Healthcare/Hospital
Priority Population(s): Asians and Pacific Islanders living in Kōkua Kalihi Valley
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Ms. Sharon Odom
2239 N. School Street
Honolulu, HI 96819
Tel: 808-791-9400
Email: kodom@kkv.net
Project Overview: A recent study of hunger and food insecurity found a greater disparity of poor nutrition among the people living in Kalihi Valley. To address this issue, Kōkua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services will partner with Parity in Nutrition Access and other local organizations to develop solutions for residents to implement their own food system. They will also increase access to grocery stores with healthy food options within the target location.
Awardee Name: Leadership Council for Healthy Communities (LCHC)
Award Amount: $499,753
Geographic Location(s) of Work: Washington, District of Columbia
Sector: Nongovernmental, Faith-based Organization
Priority Population(s): African Americans living in Washington, D.C.
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Ms. Sullivan Robinson
710-12 Randolph Street, NW
Washington, DC 20011
Tel: 202-484-0449
Email: sullivanrobinson@msn.com
Project Overview: Health disparities in the District of Columbia emerge from a wide range of inequalities in income, employment, educational achievement, policy, clinical systems, and food and physical activity environments. To address this issue, LCHC will collaborate with local community organizations to increase access to services that help prevent and manage chronic diseases; establish a health information exchange system that permits effective and efficient delivery of health services; and promote community preventive health resources in underserved, low-income communities in the District of Columbia.
Awardee Name: Mandela Marketplace, Inc.
Award Amount: $500,000
Geographic Location(s) of Work: Alameda County, California
Priority Population(s): African Americans living in Alameda County
Sector: Nongovernmental, Community-based Organization
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Dr. Anaa Reese
1000 Broadway 5th Floor
Oakland, CA 94607-2177
Tel: 510-208-5909
Email: Anna.Reese@acgov.org
Project Overview: In Alameda County, higher percentages of African Americans report eating fast food three or more times per week. The Mandela Marketplace will partner with the Alameda County Health Care Services Agency, West Oakland Health Council, Oakland Unified School District and other local organizations to strengthen an active coalition of resident‐led food enterprises to improve access to healthy food and beverage options in the target community. The coalition will incentivize new grocery store development, expand mobile produce stands and small stores; and increase the availability and affordability of healthy foods in schools, senior centers and other institutional settings throughout Alameda County.
Awardee Name: Meharry Medical College
Award Amount: $451,430
Geographic Location(s) of Work: Nashville, Tennessee
Priority Population(s): African Americans living in Northeast and North Nashville
Sector: Nongovernmental, Education
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Dr. Margaret Hargreaves
1005 Dr. D.B. Todd Jr. Boulevard
Nashville, TN 37208-3599
Tel: 615-327-6999
Email: mhargreaves@mmc.edu
Project Overview: From 1997-2006, obesity trends in the City of Nashville increased markedly for African Americans (35%-55%).The trend was significantly lower (14%-25%) for the white population during the same period. To address this growing issue, Meharry Medical College and the Nashville Health Disparities Coalition will empower community members in priority population groups to seek better health, help change local healthcare practices, and mobilize communities to implement evidence-based public health programs to reduce health disparities across a broad range of conditions.
Awardee Name: Old Colony YMCA
Award Amount: $400,316
Geographic Location(s) of Work: Brockton and Stoughton, Massachusetts
Priority Population(s): African Americans living in the counties of Brockton and Stoughton
Sector: Nongovernmental, Community-based organization
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Ms. Joyce Dwyer
445 Central Street
Stoughton, MA 02072
Tel: 781-341-2016, ext. 272
Email: jdwyer@oldcolonyymca.org
Project Overview: Stoughton and Brockton communities share many health-related challenges, including lack of access to environments that offer physical activity opportunities. To address this issue, the Old Colony Healthy Communities Coalition and community partners will increase access to clinical and community resources that help manage chronic diseases impacting African Americans living in Brockton and Stoughton County.
Awardee Name: Operation Samahan, Inc.
Award Amount: $464,000
Geographic Location(s) of Work: San Diego, California
Sector: Nongovernmental, Healthcare/Hospital
Priority Population(s): Asian-Americans living in Sweetwater, South Bay, National City, Chula Vista, Escondido, Spring Valley, La Mesa, Mid-City, El Cajon, Lemon Grove, and Spring Valley
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Ms. Fe Seligman
1428 Highland Avenue
National City, CA 91950
Tel: 619-471-5433
Email: feseligman@operationsamahan.org
Project Overview: The prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, heart disease, and stomach cancer in Asian communities is a growing concern. Moreover, cancer, heart disease, and diabetes are ranked as the top leading causes of death among Asians. To address these issues, Operation Samahan, Inc. will collaborate with Asian/Pacific Islander American Health Forum, the New York University Center for Studies on Asian-American Health, and other local community organizations to improve access to healthy eating choices at local Asian-owned restaurants. These business owners are encouraged to highlight healthy dishes, modify recipes, offer smaller food portions, and create nutrition labeling.
Awardee Name: Project Concern International (PCI)
Award Amount: $500,000
Geographic Location(s) of Work: San Diego, California
Sector: Nongovernmental organization, Community-based organization
Priority Population(s): Hispanic/Latina women in the San Diego area
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Ms. Maria Reyes
121 E. 31st Street, Suite A
National City, CA 91950
Tel: 619-791-2610, ext. 305
Email: mreyes@pciglobal.org
Project Overview:While 90.9% of San Diegans have access to health insurance, there is marked disparity between Whites (94.5%) and Hispanics (82.1%). Additionally, due primarily to cost, Latinos were the most likely to delay medical services or get needed medicine prescribed by a doctor. PCI will collaborate with local organizations to increase access to community resources that help Hispanic/Latina women prevent and manage their chronic conditions.
Awardee Name: The Regents of the University of California, University of California-San Diego
Award Amount: $369,712
Geographic Location(s) of Work: Southeastern San Diego, California
Priority Population(s): African Americans living in the City of San Diego
Sector: Governmental, Education
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Dr. Anthony DeMaria
9300 Campus Point Drive #7411
La Jolla, CA 92037-7411
Tel: 858-657-5349
Email: ademaria@ucsd.edu
Project Overview: African Americans suffer disproportionately from cardiovascular disease in the City of San Diego. For instance, research demonstrates that heart failure is 20 times more likely to occur in African-American men and women in their 30s and 40s, than similarly aged White men and women. Under the REACH program, the University of California-San Diego will collaborate with healthcare facilities and faith-based organizations to improve early identification of individuals with risk factors.
Awardee Name: The Stapleton Foundation for Sustainable Urban Communities (SFSUC)
Geographic Location(s) of Work: Denver, Colorado
Award Amount: $484,635
Priority Population(s): African Americans living in Denver, with particular emphasis on the neighborhoods of Montbello and Northeast Park Hill
Sector: Nongovernmental, Foundation/Philanthropy
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Ms. Alisha Brown
7350 E 29th Avenue, Suite 204
Denver, CO 80328
Tel: 303-468-3222
Email: abrown@stapletonfoundation.org
Project Overview: In parts of Denver, physical inactivity is a significant risk factor for the community, particularly among the African-American population. The Denver Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) revealed that 33.9% of African Americans are obese (compared to only 13.5% of white residents), 43.6% of African Americans have high blood pressure, and almost one-quarter (22.2%) admitted they had not participated in physical activity in the last 30 days. To address these issues, the Stapleton Foundation for SFSUC will partner with local organizations to offer safe spaces and places for physical activity. The ultimate goal is to improve quality of life, prevent premature deaths, and reduce medical costs for African Americans living in Montbello and Northeast Park Hill communities.
Awardee Name: Temple University
Award Amount: $465,876
Geographic Location(s) of Work: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Sector: Governmental, Education
Priority Population(s)(s): Asian-Americans (Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Filipino Americans)
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Dr. Grace Ma
1301 Cecil B. Moore Avenue
Ritter Annex 9th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19122
Tel: 215-204-5108
Email: grace.ma@temple.edu
Project Overview: Asian-Americans (AA) have increasingly encountered unique health risks and health disparities. Recent data indicates that increases in diabetes, hypertension, and coronary heart disease and stroke present new threats to AA health. To address these issues, Temple University will partner with local organizations to increase access to healthy food and beverage options for low-income Asian-Americans living in the greater Philadelphia area.
Awardee Name: Toiyabe Indian Health Project
Geographic Location(s) of Work: Inyo and Mono Counties, California
Award Amount: $500,000
Priority Population(s): American Indians and Alaska Natives in the Eastern Sierra region of central California
Sector: Tribal, Healthcare/Hospital
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Mr. Rick Frey
52 Tu Su Lane
Bishop, CA 93514-8058
Tel: 760-873-8851
Email: rick.frey@toiyabe.us
Project Overview: Poverty, lack of higher education, physical inactivity, poor housing, poor nutrition, and lack of access to health care are core factors leading to racial disparities in health outcomes for Native Americans living in Inyo and Mono Counties. The Toiyabe Indian Health Project will collaborate with local organizations to increase the availability of fresh fruit and vegetables through a focus on expanding service area access to SNAP and WIC beneficiaries and food delivery programs for elders; engage various target populations on how to grow, harvest, prepare, and preserve healthy, traditional Shoshone and Paiute foods; and improve clinical and community linkages to weight management resources for American Indians and Alaska Natives in the target community.
Comprehensive Implementation Awards
Awardee Name: AltaMed Health Services Corporation
Geographic Location(s) of Work: Los Angeles County, California
Award Amount: $997,952
Priority Population(s): Hispanics in Bell, Commerce, East Los Angeles, Maywood, Montebello, Pico Rivera and West Whittier and Los Nietos neighborhoods
Sector: Nongovernmental, Healthcare/Hospital
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Mr. Michael Hochman
2040 Camfield Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90040
Tel: 323-720-5676
Email: mhochman@la.altamed.org
Project Overview: AltaMed Health Services Corporation will collaborate with the Los Angeles Department of Public Health, YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, Volunteers of East Los Angeles, and other local organizations to increase access to healthy foods and physical activity opportunities. The project will help prevent, reduce and manage chronic illnesses. These efforts will focus on low‐income, Latino communities in the designated areas.
Awardee Name: Asian Media Access
Geographic Location(s) of Work: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Award Amount: $500,000
Priority Population(s): Approximately, 26,000 African-born, African-American, and Asian residents in northern Minnesota
Sector: Nongovernmental, Community-based Organization
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Ms. Ange Hwang
2418 Plymouth Avenue North
Minneapolis, MN 55411-3606
Tel: 612-376-7715
Email: ange.hwang@amamedia.org
Project Overview: Statewide data indicate that diabetes, heart disease and stroke continue to disproportionately plague African Americans, Asians, and Hispanics as compared with Whites. The Asian Media Access, along with other community organizations are set to reach approximately 75% of the priority population using comprehensive culturally-appropriate communication to educate and promote healthy living opportunities for an estimated 26,000 North Minnesota residents.
Awardee Name: Benewah Medical & Wellness Center
Geographic Location(s) of Work: Coeur d’Alene Indian Reservation, Idaho; Idaho counties, Benewah and Kootenai and parts of two eastern Washington counties that include Spokane and Whitman
Award Amount: $671,336
Priority Population(s): American Indians and Alaska Natives living on the Coeur d’Alene Indian Reservation, located in the panhandle of Northern Idaho
Sector: Tribal, Healthcare/Hospital
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Mrs. Elinor Nault Wright
PO Box 388
427 N. 12th Street
Plummer, ID 83851
Tel: 208-686-1931
Email: enault@bmc.portland.ihs.gov
Project Overview: American Indian/Alaska Native children have a high prevalence of being overweight and obese. The Benewah Medical & Wellness Center and the City of Plumber propose to address these health disparities on the Coeur d’Alene Reservation by increasing access to physical activity, healthy eating and tobacco-free environments.
Awardee Name: Boat People SOS-California
Geographic Location(s) of Work: Orange County, California
Award Amount: $700,000
Priority Population(s): Vietnamese residents of Orange County, California
Sector: Nongovernmental, Community-based Organization
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
TrangKhanh Tran
9741 Bolsa Avenue, Suite 220
Westminster, CA 92683-5564
Tel: 714-897-2214
Email: khanh.tran@bpsos.org
Project Overview: Vietnamese Americans, especially those who are immigrants, face a high burden of chronic illnesses including stroke, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, chronic lung disease, musculoskeletal disorders and even death. The Boat People SOS-California and local partner organizations will work to increase access to physical activity opportunities and tobacco-free environments which could help to reduce and eliminate health disparities and achieve health equity for Vietnamese residents in Orange County.
Awardee Name: Boston Public Health Commission
Geographic Location(s) of Work: Boston, Massachusetts
Award Amount: $966,385
Priority Population(s): African Americans and Hispanics living in multi-unit housing complexes in Roxbury and North Dorchester neighborhoods
Sector: Governmental, Public Health
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Ms. Margaret Reid
1010 Massachusetts Ave
Boston, MA 02118
Tel: 617-534-2673
Email: MReid@bphc.org
Project Overview: Working with the Partners in Health and Housing Coalition, the Boston Public Health Commission will take action to increase access to tobacco-free public housing environments, fruits and vegetables, and physical activity opportunities for the city’s poorest neighborhoods.
Awardee Name: Bronx Community Health Network, Inc. (BCHN)
Geographic Location(s) of Work: Highbridge and Morrisania neighborhoods in South Bronx, New York
Award Amount: $326,234
Priority Population(s): African Americans, Hispanics
Sector: Nongovernmental, Healthcare/Hospital
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Ms. Tashi Chodon
1 Fordham Road, Suite 1108
Bronx, NY 10458-5871
Tel: 718-405-4992
Email: tchodon@bchnhealth.org
Project Overview: Bronx residents suffer disproportionately from chronic diseases including diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia. BCHN will work closely with their coalition to increase access to healthy food options and physical activity opportunities. They will conduct an assessment of current recreational fitness resources for children and adults within south Bronx communities and school settings for children K-12. They will work in collaboration with coalition members representing faith- and community- based organizations, the New York City Department of Education and the New York City Parks Department. They will help increase knowledge, geographic proximity and discounted pricing among individuals living in poverty and who lack transportation to shop outside of their communities to make healthier purchases. As a result of combined efforts, the BCHN will increase access to healthy food and beverage options in South Bronx from 100,000 to 150,000 by September 2017.
Awardee Name: Community Coalition for Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment (CCSAPT)
Geographic Location(s) of Work: Los Angeles County, California
Award Amount: $1,000,000
Priority Population(s): African Americans and Hispanics in King Estates and Westmont neighborhoods in South Los Angeles
Sector: Nongovernmental, Community-based Organization
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Mrs. Joanne Kim
8101 South Vermont Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90044
Tel: 323-750-9087
Email: joanne@cocosouthla.org
Project Overview: South Los Angeles, a predominately African-American and Hispanic community, continues to have poor health outcomes. Inequitable resources dedicated to spaces for physical activity and healthy food access continue to elude this community. To help improve health outcomes, the CCSAPT will partner with the Environmental Prevention Collaborative and others to increase access to resources at local health clinics to help manage chronic illnesses; and build safe, recreational spaces for residents to walk, bike and/or run for physical activity in South LA neighborhoods.
Awardee Name: Community Health Improvement Partners
Geographic Location(s) of Work: San Diego County, California
Award Amount: $685,982
Priority Population(s): Hispanic children (birth – 5 years) in the City of Chula Vista
Sector: Nongovernmental, Public Health
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Ms. Cheryl Moder
5095 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 105
San Diego, CA 92123-4348
Tel: 858-609-7961
Email: cmoder@sdchip.org
Project Overview: The rate of diabetes deaths in Chula Vista, California (38 deaths per 100,000 people) is significantly higher than the state’s average (19.7 deaths per 100,000 people). This community also has an extremely high rate of coronary heart disease deaths (188.3/100,000) when compared to the state. To overcome these challenges, the Community Health Improvement Partners, will work to increase access to healthy eating and physical activity opportunities at childcare and elementary schools in western Chula Vista neighborhoods. Community Health Improvement Partners will also work with clinical providers to foster other environments that support breastfeeding and healthy nutrition for children within the community.
Awardee Name: Cuyahoga County District Board of Health (CCDBH)
Geographic Location(s) of Work: Cuyahoga County, Ohio
Award Amount: $997,350
Priority Population(s): African Americans in the City of Cleveland (East Cleveland)
Sector: Governmental, Public Health
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Mrs. Martha Halko
5550 Venture Drive
Parma, OH 44130
Tel: 216-201-2001
Email: mhalko@ccbh.net
Project Overview: For many low-income and minority residents across Greater Cleveland, access to healthy food and beverage options, safe environments for physical activity, and clinical preventive services is limited. Additionally, Cleveland adults suffer disproportionately from chronic disease and are less likely to participate in proactive preventive health behaviors than others across the state or nation. The CCDBH will increase access and opportunity for improved nutrition, physical activity and chronic disease management. Partnering with the Health Improvement Partnership of Cuyahoga County, CCDBH will work to increase the availability of healthy food and beverage consumption at small retail stores in the target area; expand agreements with schools, communities, parks and recreation facilities to increase physical activity opportunities; and improve access to high quality care, chronic disease prevention and risk reduction resources. Strategies will be implemented across six Cleveland neighborhoods and one large section of East Cleveland (inner ring suburb), aiming to reach over 40,000 residents of which 92.7% are African American.
Awardee Name: DeKalb County Board of Health
Geographic Location(s) of Work: DeKalb County, Atlanta, Georgia
Award Amount: $928,453
Priority Population(s): African-American communities in DeKalb County
Sector: Governmental, Public Health
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Mr. Zipalty Mendoza
445 Winn Way
Decatur, GA 30030
Tel: 404-508-7845
Email: zipalty.mendoza@dph.ga.gov
Project Overview: When comparing minority health to that of the general population, disparities continue to exist. In Georgia, 46% of African Americans still don’t get enough physical activity. To address this issue and other health disparities, DeKalb County Board of Health will implement evidence based strategies such as creating and implementing a sustainable mobile market (farm stand‐on‐wheels) to distribute locally-produced foods during regularly scheduled stops in low‐income, food‐insecure communities. The awardee will also work with the DeKalb Housing Authority and Cooperative Extension Service to provide decision prompts that promote the purchase of fruits and vegetables; disseminate information to libraries and health centers as a part of a county-wide communication campaign; and establish joint-use agreements with community partners that increase access to opportunities for community residents to participate in physical activity.
Awardee Name: The Institute for Family Health (IOFH)
Geographic Location(s) of Work: Bronx (south), New York
Award Amount: $999,985
Priority Population(s): African Americans and Hispanics living in the Highbridge, Morrisania, Crotona, Morris Heights, Tremont, Hunt’s Point, Mott Haven, Soundview, and Castle Hill neighborhoods
Sector: Nongovernmental, Healthcare/Hospital
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Ms. Charmaine Ruddock
16 East 16 Street
New York, NY 10003
Tel: 212-633-0800, ext. 1291
Email: cruddock@institute2000.org
Project Overview: A 2014 community health needs assessment, conducted by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, ranked Bronx County as the “least healthy” county in New York State. African Americans and Hispanics in South Bronx continue to experience significant barriers to accessing healthy foods and places to exercise. IOFH and community partners will collaborate to increase access to fresh fruit and vegetables at bodegas, restaurants, farm stands and schools. IOFH will also work to increase access to safe spaces for residents to walk, bike and/or run at parks and other built environments in targeted areas.
Awardee Name: Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan, Inc.
Geographic Location(s) of Work: Detroit, Michigan
Award Amount: $994,621
Priority Population(s): Native Americans of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, the Nottawaseppi Band of Huron Potawatomi, the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Potawatomi, the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa and Chippewa Indians , the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, the Hannahville Indian Community, the Bay Mills Indian Community and the American Indian Health and Family Services Agency
Sector: Tribal, Other
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Ms. Noel Pingatore
2956 Ashmun Street
Sault Sainte Marie, MI 49783-3720
Tel: 906-632-6896, ext. 107
Email: noelp@itcmi.org
Project Overview: Native Americans in Michigan experience high rates of chronic disease morbidity and mortality compared to state and national averages. The Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan, Inc. will collaborate with Native American Tribes in Michigan to increase access to physical activity opportunities, healthy food and beverage options, free or low cost tobacco cessation services, and resources to help manage chronic diseases.
Awardee Name: Kent County Health Department
Geographic Location(s) of Work: Kent County, Michigan
Award Amount: $726,611
Priority Population(s): African Americans and Hispanics in the City of Grand Rapids in Western Michigan
Sector: Governmental, Public Health
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Mr. Brian Hartl
700 Fuller Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503-1918
Tel: 616-632-7287
Email: Brian.Hartl@kentcountymi.gov
Project Overview: Residents living in “Hope Zones,” an underrepresented area of Grand Rapids, Michigan, are more likely to suffer from health risks associated with obesity and chronic disease. Few neighborhood food stores offer healthy food options in these communities. There are few safe, affordable opportunities within the community for physical activity or access to chronic disease prevention, risk reduction, and management opportunities to manage chronic illnesses. To address these issues, Kent County Health Department will partner with the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids and other local organizations to increase access to healthy foods at corner stores and farmers’ markets; improve safety at existing parks for residents to walk, bike and/or run for physical activity; and protect residents from secondhand smoke exposure in public spaces.
Awardee Name: Montgomery Area Community Wellness Coalition
Geographic Location(s) of Work: Central Alabama’s River Region, Alabama
Award Amount: $909,455
Priority Population(s): African-American communities in Montgomery, Lowndes and Macon Counties
Sector: Nongovernmental, Healthcare/Hospital
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Ms. Ghandi Williams
3060 Mobile Hwy
Montgomery, AL 36108
Tel: 334-293-6502
Email: ghandi.williams@adph.state.al.us
Project Overview: African Americans in the River Region are disproportionately affected by chronic diseases including diabetes and heart disease. The Montgomery Area Community Wellness Coalition (The Wellness Coalition) and the City of Montgomery’s River Region Obesity Task Force will partner to increase access to fruit and vegetables at convenience stores; parks and walking trails for physical activity, and chronic disease self-management education opportunities.
Awardee Name: Morehouse School of Medicine
Geographic Location(s) of Work: Atlanta, Georgia
Award Amount: $999,214
Priority Population(s): African Americans
Sector: Nongovernmental, Education
Principal Investigators Contact Information:
Dr. Kisha B. Holden
720 Westview Drive, SW
Atlanta, GA 30310-1495
Tel: 404-756-8973
Email: kholden@msm.edu
Dr. Tabia Henry Akintobi
720 Westview Drive, SW
Atlanta, GA 30315
Tel: 404-752-1144
Email: takintobi@msm.edu
Project Overview: The Morehouse School of Medicine will partner with local organizations to increase access to chronic disease prevention, risk reduction, and management opportunities. Morehouse School of Medicine will work to connect African Americans to healthcare organizations that provide resources to improve access to diabetes prevention and other chronic diseases. They will also increase awareness and access to physical activity and healthy eating options in the target community.
Awardee Name: Multnomah County Health Department
Geographic Location(s) of Work: Multnomah County, Oregon
Award Amount: $986,196
Priority Population(s): African Americans in the northwest vicinity of Multnomah County
Sector: Governmental, Public Health
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Ms. Rachael Banks
5329 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
Portland, Oregon 97211
Tel: 503-988-7778
Email: rachael.m.banks@multco.us
Project Overview: In Multnomah County, African Americans are plagued by health inequities and chronic disease disparities. To address these issues, the Multnomah County Health Department will partner with the city of Gresham, the Urban League of Portland, and other local organizations to increase access to cessation programs, tobacco-free environments and healthy foods at corner stores.
Awardee Name: New York University School of Medicine (NYUSM)
Geographic Location(s) of Work: New York/New Jersey Metropolitan Area
Award Amount: $1,000,000
Priority Population(s): Asian Americans
Sector: Nongovernmental, Education
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Ms. Nadia Islam
550 First Avenue, VZN 843
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-263-7075
Email: nadia.islam@nyumc.org
Project Overview: There is a lack of culturally-tailored programs that promote Hypertension or Cardiovascular disease management in Asian American communities. To address this issue, NYUSM will partner with faith-based organizations serving the target audience to increase the availability of low-fat meals, including fruits and vegetables at congregation meetings, corner stores and restaurants. They will also work to improve community connections to clinics’ and hospitals’ resources to help residents manage hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.
Awardee Name: Oakland University
Geographic Location(s) of Work: Oakland County, Michigan
Award Amount: $650,748
Priority Population(s): African Americans and Hispanics living in the City of Pontiac
Sector: Governmental, Education
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Dr. Jennifer Lucarelli
2200 N. Squirrel Road
Rochester, MI 48309-4401
Tel: 248-364-8667
Email: lucarell@oakland.edu
Project Overview: Oakland University will collaborate with local organizations to increase access to fresh fruit and vegetables at churches, hospitals, and schools; increase time spent in physical activities at school and afterschool programs from moderate to vigorous; and increase safety and access to local parks for residents to walk, bike and/or run for physical activity.
Awardee Name: Partners in Health
Geographic Location(s) of Work: Navajo Nation
Award Amount: $994,284
Priority Population(s): American Indians/Native Americans in rural Navajo Nation communities
Sector: Nongovernmental, Healthcare/Hospital
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Ms. Sonya Shin
888 Commonwealth Avenue, Floor 3
Boston, MA 02215-0215
Tel: 617-872-0310
Email: sshin@pih.org
Project Overview: Over the past two decades, American Indians/Native Americans have had consistent rising rates and greater mortality of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke. To address these issues, Partners in Health will collaborate with Community Outreach and Patient Empowerment to increase access to fruits and vegetables sold in local, small stores. PIH will also increase access to clinical and community preventive resources that support breastfeeding and help reduce risk of cardiovascular disease for American Indians and Alaska Natives in rural Navajo Nation communities.
Awardee Name: Presbyterian Healthcare Services
Geographic Location(s) of Work: Bernalillo County, New Mexico
Award Amount: $981,022
Priority Population(s): Hispanics and American Indians living in urban and rural South Valley areas of Bernalillo County
Sector: Nongovernmental, Healthcare
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Ms. Leigh Caswell
9521 San Mateo Boulevard, NE
Albuquerque, NM 87113
Tel: 505-923-5398
Email: lcaswell@phs.org
Project Overview: Presbyterian Healthcare Services will partner with the community to address health disparities in two populations of Bernalillo County of Albuquerque, New Mexico: the Hispanic and the American Indian population. Together these two groups represent a priority population of 55,456 people. This project will focus on the risk factors of poor nutrition, physical inactivity, and lack of access to chronic disease prevention, risk reduction and management opportunities.
The comprehensive plan will:
- Increase access points for fresh, local produce, educate on its nutritional value, and make produce more affordable for low income individuals;
- Improve awareness and opportunities for physical activities-especially building infrastructure to increase walking options; and
- Spread successful prevention and self-management tools and provide training on chronic disease prevention and nutrition education.
Awardee Name: Public Health Authority of Cabarrus County
Geographic Location(s) of Work: Cabarrus County, North Carolina
Award Amount: $836,147
Priority Population(s): African Americans and Hispanics living in the cities of Concord and Kannapolis
Sector: Governmental, Public Health
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Mr. William Pilkington
300 Mooresville Road
Kannapolis, NC 28081
Tel: 704-920-1203
Email: WFPilkington@cabarrushealth.org
Project Overview: Kannapolis and Concord make up the majority of food insecure areas in Cabarrus County. Minorities in Cabarrus County experience significantly worse health outcomes. For example, the rate of heart disease mortality among African Americans in Cabarrus County was 15% higher than whites among males and 25% higher than whites among females. The Public Health Authority of Cabarrus County will partner with Healthy Cabarrus and other local organizations to increase access to healthy foods at corner stores, schools, parks, and other community agencies; they will also work to improve community designs, and establish agreements with schools and churches to use their facilities after hours for physical activity.
Awardee Name: Public Health Institute
Geographic Location(s) of Work: City of Oakland in San Joaquin County (northern, central and southern Valley of San Joaquin), California
Award Amount: $977,400
Priority Population(s): Hispanics living in Turlock, Cere; the southeast neighborhood of Fresno, Orange Cove; the southeast or Greenfield neighborhood of Bakersfield; and Arvin in San Joaquin, California
Sector: Nongovernmental, Public Health
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Ms. Carmen Nevarez
555 12th Street, 10th Floor
Oakland, CA 94607-4046
Tel: 510-285-5594
Email: crnevarez@phi.org
Project Overview: The Public Health Institute will partner with local organizations to increase affordable, healthy food options in corner stores, restaurants, farmers’ markets, schools, farm stands, community gardens, roadside vendors, vending machines and food trucks. The Public Health Institute will also work to offer physical activity opportunities at school gyms after school hours and on weekends.
Awardee Name: Regents of the University of California, Los Angeles
Geographic Location(s) of Work: Los Angeles County, California
Award Amount: $1,000,000
Priority Population(s): African-American and Hispanic multi-unit housing dwellers in the City of Los Angeles
Sector: Governmental, Education
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Dr. Steven Wallace
10960 Wilshire Boulevard
Suite 1550
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Tel: 310-794-0910
Email: swallace@ucla.edu
Project Overview: People spend approximately 68% of their time at home and for those who live in multi‐unit housing (MUH), many have little control over the air they breathe. The UCLA Center of Health Policy Research in partnership with Smoke Free Air For Everyone (S.A.F.E.), CD Tech Community Development Corporation, the Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, and other community organizations will utilize the already popular initiative of eliminating secondhand smoke exposure in public spaces and worksites by focusing this effort on rental housing for single and multi-unit residences. A multi-sector coalition consisting of representatives from universities, community developments, apartment associations, school districts, and non-profit organizations will engage tenants and owners of multi‐unit housing in low income Latino and African-American communities to reduce secondhand smoke exposure and increase access to smoking cessation services for tenants who smoke.
Awardee Name: San Francisco Department of Public Health
Geographic Location(s) of Work: San Francisco County, California
Award Amount: $799,159
Priority Population(s): African Americans, Hispanics living in the City of San Francisco
Sector: Governmental, Public Health
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Mr. Tomas Aragon
101 Grove Street, Room 308
San Francisco, CA 94102
Tel: 415-787-2583
Email: tomas.aragon@sfdph.org
Project Overview: More than 20% of adults in San Francisco are diagnosed with high blood pressure. This percentage is more than double among African Americans. To address this issue and other health disparities, the San Francisco Department of Public Health will collaborate with the San Francisco Health Improvement Partnership (SFHIP) to educate and offer resources at hospitals and clinics on managing hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.
Awardee Name: The University of Alabama at Birmingham
Geographic Location(s) of Work: Jefferson County, Alabama
Award Amount: $943,212
Priority Population(s)(s): African Americans living in the City of Birmingham
Sector: Governmental, Education
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Dr. Mona Fouad
1720 2nd Avenue South, MT 621
Birmingham, AL 35294-4410
Tel: 205-934-4307
Email: mfouad@uab.edu
Project Overview: African Americans in Birmingham carry a disproportionate disease burden, with higher than average rates of morbidity and mortality attributable to obesity. Life expectancy in Jefferson County varies 20 years across census tracks due to socioeconomic and environmental factors that influence health. Building on previous community health investments, a multi-sector coalition will increase nutrition and physical activity opportunities for African Americans within Birmingham, Alabama. The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Center at the Division of Preventive Medicine in partnership with Jefferson County Department of Health, the United Way of Central Alabama, Safe Routes to School, and other community organizations are taking steps to increase access to affordable, locally-grown fruits and vegetables at farmers’ markets and increase access to physical activity opportunities by implementing Safe Routes to School programs and improving community designs.
Awardee Name: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Geographic Location(s) of Work: Benton and Washington Counties, Arkansas
Award Amount: $999,882
Priority Populaton(s): Hispanics and Pacific Islander/Marshallese (individuals with origins specifically in the Marshall Islands) neighborhoods in Northwest Arkansas
Sector: Governmental, Education
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Ms. Pearl McElfish
1125 N. College Avenue
Fayetteville, AR 72703
Tel: 479-713-8680
Email: PAMelfish@uams.edu
Project Overview: Hispanic and Marshallese communities in Northwest Arkansas continue to experience chronic disease disparities, due to lack of access to healthy foods and culturally and linguistically appropriate healthcare services. To address these issues, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Department of Health, Feed Communities, Endeavor Foundation, and others will take action to increase access to chronic disease prevention services and self-management programs at worksites and faith-based organizations. The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and others will also increase the availability of affordable fruits and vegetables at food pantries, community gardens, worksites and schools.
Awardee Name: University of Hawaii
Geographic Location(s) of Work: US Affiliated Pacific Islands (USAPI)
Award Amount: $1,000,000
Priority Population(s): Pacific Islanders in three freely associated states -- Republic of the Marshall Islands; Federated States of Micronesia: Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap; the Republic of Palau; two US territories: American Samoa and Guam; and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
Sector: Governmental, Education
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Dr. Neal Palafox
677 Ala Moana Boulevard, Suite 815
Honolulu, HI 96813
Tel: 808-692-0848
Email: npalafox@hawaii.edu
Project Overview: The University of Hawaii will partner with the Cancer Council of the Pacific Islands (CCPI) and other local organizations to increase access to healthy food and beverage options at local worksites, businesses, health care settings and tobacco-free environments.
Awardee Name: University of Kansas Center for Research, Inc.
Geographic Location(s) of Work: Wyandotte County, Kansas
Award Amount: $723,299
Priority Population(s): Hispanics living in the eastern section of Kansas City
Sector: Nongovernmental, Education
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Ms. Vicki Collie-Akers
1000 Sunnyside Avenue
Lawrence, KS 66045-7561
Tel: 785-864-0533
Email: vcollie@ku.edu
Project Overview: Hispanics are 1.7 times more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes compared to non‐Hispanic/Whites (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014), and they are 2 to 4 times more likely to experience cardiovascular disease (Cusi & Ocampo, 2011). The University of Kansas Center for Research, Inc., in collaboration with, Latino Health for All Coalition will increase access to healthy foods at restaurants, corner stores, concession stands and vending machines. The collaborative effort will also implement community design improvements that encourage walking, biking or running for physical activity.
Awardee Name: YMCA of Greater Cleveland
Geographic Location(s) of Work: Cleveland, Ohio
Award Amount: $986,270
Priority Population(s): African Americans and Hispanics living in the City of Cleveland
Sector: Nongovernmental, Community-based Organization
Principal Investigator Contact Information:
Ms. Danielle Render
2200 Prospect Avenue E
Cleveland, OH 44115
Tel: 216-263-6293
Email: drender@clevelandymca.org
Project Overview:YMCA of Greater Cleveland will partner with local organizations to transform unsafe urban thoroughfares into safe and convenient resources which encourage physical activity. This builds on the previously awarded REACH project of 2003, Clevelanders in Motion Health Equity Coalition.
- Page last reviewed: April 19, 2017
- Page last updated: May 1, 2017
- Content source: