Grants to improve health of Wisconsin communities announced

The Transform Wisconsin Coalition today announced that 30 communities around the state are being awarded Transform Wisconsin grants in an effort to create healthier places to live, work and play.

The 30 grants, which are being awarded to diverse community organizations across the state, total $6.6 million over the next 26 months.

“Transform Wisconsin reminds us that our health doesn’t just happen in the doctor’s office,” says Tom Sieger, director of prevention services of the UW–Madison’s University Health Services, the agency administering the funds. “We all want the next generation of kids to grow up in neighborhoods that promote healthy, active lifestyles.”

Twenty-four communities are receiving an Impact Grant, which will focus on one of three key areas: strengthening farm to school programs to provide cafeterias with farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, opening school gyms for community agencies to create affordable physical activity opportunities, and promoting smoke-free apartments.

Six communities are receiving a Transform Wisconsin Grant, which will focus efforts on all three key areas. In total, the projects will directly reach over 2.6 million people in Wisconsin, or about half of the state’s population.

“Prevention works to save lives and health care costs,” says Sieger, pointing to proven returns on investment. “Transform Wisconsin gives all Wisconsinites an opportunity to get involved and be part of the solution. Health officials, schools, businesses and many others are coming to the table to make these community transformations possible.”

A complete listing of funded communities can be found here.

Transform Wisconsin grants are administered by the Wisconsin Clearinghouse for Prevention Services and funded by a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention grant through the Prevention and Public Health Fund.