The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently awarded $30,000 in federal funding to the YMCA of Western North Carolina. The funding is designated to support the work of the Pioneering Healthier Communities committee, part of the Y-USA’s Activate America Initiative.
The PHC committee, comprised of government, healthcare, education, and community leaders from both Buncombe and McDowell counties, is focusing on workplace, infrastructure, and policy change to encourage citizens of WNC to be more physically active.
“The mission of Pioneering Healthier Communities is vital and timely. It’s exciting to see the first steps of collaborative efforts to create a sustainable and healthy environment in our community. It is critical that citizens have opportunities to take responsibility for their wellness. The CDC grant is helping us provide those opportunities,” notes Holly Jones, PHC committee member and Buncombe County commissioner.
The PHC committee identified key priorities for grant funding. These include:
• Greenway System Connectivity and Critical Linkages – Providing better access to walking trails for residents
• Complete Streets Implementation – Making area roads more bicycle and pedestrian-friendly
• Employer-Driven Physical Activity Program – Encouraging employees to be more active by improving stairways and walking areas
· Provide opportunities for schools in Asheville-Buncombe and McDowell Counties to increase the physical activity of their students
Schools in Asheville-Buncombe and McDowell Counties are eligible to apply for grant funding to purchase additional equipment for their physical education programs. Funding is available to public, private, and charter elementary schools with enrollment of more than 150 students. Schools may be awarded up to $1,000 for materials and equipment related to physical activity.
The grant application is posted on the Activate Asheville Area website at www.activateashevillearea.org. Applicants will have until November 2 to submit their application, and must be employed by the school they are applying for.
“I am excited that the CDC grant affords schools the opportunity to replace some of the funds that might have been cut from this year’s budget in order to upgrade PE supplies for students,” said Dr. Ira Trollinger, superintendent of McDowell County Schools. He continued, “PE engages youngsters in activities that keep them moving. Engaged bodies help to insure engaged minds. Whether it is jump ropes, hula hoops, cones for obstacle courses, or even unicycles; all play a key role in keeping our students active and less obese.”
Y-USA’s Activate America Initiative, including its Pioneering Healthier Communities program of work, was recently recognized by The HSC Foundation as one of 10 models successful in its efforts to fight obesity, particularly childhood obesity. The report cites the program’s collaborative approach, community and family involvement, sustainability, and measurable outcomes as reasons Activate America is successful in combating the nation’s obesity epidemic.
For more information on the development of projects funded by the CDC grant, contact Kristen Weaver, director of association wellness, at (828) 258-9658 or [email protected].
The YMCA of Western North Carolina’s mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. Visit www.ymcawnc.org for more information.
