NBCH Launches Community Health Partnership Seed Grant Program

Coalitions and employers recognize that community factors impact the health of
the current and future workforce

WASHINGTON – February 3, 2010 – To support collaboration to improve health and prevent disease in local communities throughout the U.S., the National Business Coalition on Health (NBCH) has developed the Community Health Partnership (CHP) Seed Grant program available to its network of nearly 60 employer-based coalitions. The funds will increase and support program and policy initiatives led by coalitions working with public health and other stakeholders to improve the health of their communities.

“We have long encouraged public and private partnerships to improve workforce and community health,” said Andrew Webber, president and CEO of NBCH. “Coalitions and employers understand the connection between population health and business success. Employers need to be able to draw from a pool of healthy employees. Programs that positively impact the health of a community can have a significant impact on the economic vitality of businesses.”

The grants are intended to promote promising community based initiatives in the field with a diverse range of approaches and applicants. NBCH will be awarding at least $200,000 to five to six coalitions partnering with employers, the state or local health department, and other local stakeholders. Grant amounts will vary depending on the program.

Projects may address development of a program (such as a community health promotion initiative) or a policy (such as a healthy vending machine or healthier menu initiative). Grant applications must address health promotion or prevention relevant to diabetes, respiratory disease, or a variety of public health indicators.

Funding for this initiative is provided through Merck, sanofi-aventis and the United Health Foundation.

About the National Business Coalition on Health

NBCH is a national, non-profit, membership organization of nearly 60 employer-based health care coalitions, representing over 7,000 employers and approximately 25 million employees and their dependents across the United States. NBCH and its members are dedicated to value-based purchasing of health care services through the collective action of public and private purchasers. For additional information visit: http://www.nbch.org/. The grant program will be administered by NBCH’s non-profit affiliate organization, the Community Coalitions Health Institute. https://mail.nbch.org/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.nbch.org/Population-Health-Seed-Grant-Program.

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