DOVER, DE (Aug. 8, 2022) — The Delaware Division of Public Health’s (DPH) Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Obesity Prevention Program (PANO) is seeking mini-grant applications as part of the Advancing Healthy Lifestyles (AHL) initiative to improve community health and reduce chronic health conditions.  

PANO expects to award five to eight mini-grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 in September.  All applications are due no later than August 17. The project period will run from October 2022 to May 2023. PANO will award the mini-grants based on several criteria, including the project’s alignment with AHL outcomes and whether the applicant uses an equity-based approach. Mathematica, the technical assistance contractor on the AHL Initiative, will manage the mini-grant program and contracts on PANO’s behalf. 

“Good health begins with good habits and good nutrition,” said DPH Associate Deputy Director Cassandra Codes-Johnson. “Many chronic conditions and life-threatening illnesses can be prevented with diet, exercise and healthy habits. DPH is committed to ensuring that all Delawareans have access to the tools they need to lead longer, healthier lives.”

In January 2021, PANO began work on the AHL initiative by implementing suggestions from the Delaware Cancer Consortium’s (DCC) subcommittee in schools, youth-serving organizations, and in community-based organizations.

Through the AHL initiative, PANO seeks to reduce obesity and other chronic conditions while striving to achieve health equity among all Delaware residents. PANO aims to support programs aligned with the goals of the AHL initiative through its policy, systems and environmental (PSE) and health equity approaches. Community partners are uniquely able to provide outreach and education, as well as opportunities to improve physical activity, offer access to healthy food, and work towards maintaining a healthy weight. 

Grant Eligibility and Requirements

Applications should include a description of how the applicant will be flexible in response to changes in the COVID-19 pandemic and how projects will serve people who are disproportionately impacted by chronic disease and COVID-19. 

Who can apply? Eligibility for the mini-grants includes:  

• Municipalities, community-based organizations and/or non-profits 

• • Applicants must have a Delaware business license or proof of non-profit status and liability insurance 
  • If the applicant does not meet these requirements, the applicant may choose to partner with another organization to be their fiscal agent 

PANO hosted an informational session on the mini-grant applications on July 28, 2022. To view the recording or access the application, visit the Advancing Healthy Lifestyles | Healthy Delaware website.

Disparities in Obesity: Delaware 

According to the 2021 State of Obesity Report by Trust for America’s Health (TFAH), 36.5% of adult Delawareans were overweight and another 32.2% were obese in 2020. The report found Black Delaware adults disproportionately obese (43%) compared to white Delaware adults (33%). It also reported thirty-eight percent (38%) of Delaware adults over 65 years are obese. According to the CDC, obesity is a risk factor linked to at least 13 types of cancer. As Delaware’s population ages, the rising prevalence of obesity raises the likelihood of Delawareans living with and dying from chronic disease in the future.

 AHL Accomplishments to Date

• Established a partnership between the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware and public schools to pilot the Triple Play model, which seeks to improve students’ knowledge of nutrition and fitness, increase physical activities and strengthen students’ skills for engaging in healthy relationships 
• Engaged with three community partners the American Lung Association, University of Delaware – Cooperative Extension, and Delaware State University to support the implementation of partners’ health promotion models through financial support and intensive technical assistance
• Led the development and implementation of the Work for Wellness program, which supports the organizational capacity and implementation of healthy promotion activities in Delaware’s executive branch agencies and departments.

To learn more about the Advancing Healthy Lifestyles initiative, please visit https://www.healthydelaware.org/Community-Partners/Advancing-Healthy-Lifestyles.  

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Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e., TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com. 

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. 

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