Grants Grants Help Hospitals Partner for Better Health

COLUMBUS – Six Ohio hospitals are teaming up with local schools, social service agencies and others to promote better health for targeted local populations, thanks to $100,000 in grants from the Foundation for Healthy Communities.

The six Hospital Wellness Partnership Grants are the latest from the foundation endowed by Ohio hospitals in 1994 to improve the health of Ohioans. Since its inception, the foundation, an arm of the Ohio Hospital Association, has awarded more than $1.3 million in grants to 116 Ohio hospital community health improvement projects.

The grants include:

§         Marietta Memorial Hospital, $20,520 for “Know Your Heart Risk: Assessment & Follow-Up, a program to provide free EKG screenings/health assessments to the medically underserved populations in the hospital's service area. Marietta Family YMCA is a partner for this project.

§         Mercy Medical Center, Canton, $17,127 for “Project CARE (Creative Approach to Resident Empowerment),” A resident empowerment program that focuses on building a safe and healthy neighborhood at Skyline Terrace. Skyline Terrace is a subsidized housing community in Southeast Canton. Community Services and the Canton City School District are project partners.

§         Miami Valley Hospital, Dayton, $13,544 for “Youth Creating Healthier Lifestyles II,” a program which will focus on minority young women ages 14-19 at risk for obesity and who are at high risk for developing health conditions related to obesity. Partners in this project from the hospital’s Mahogany’s Child program include the Combined Health District, Colonel White High School, the Dayton Black Nurse Association and Children’s Medical Center, Dayton.

§         Mount Carmel Foundation, Columbus, $17,675, for “Dementia Caregiver Wellness Program” through Mount Carmel Senior Services.  This program will offer wellness activities including exercise programs and respite care to caregivers of family members who suffer from dementia. Partnering are Heritage Day Health Centers and Alzheimer’s Association of Central Ohio.

§         WRH Health System, Wadsworth, $19,850 for “Centering Pregnancy,” to empower women who are pregnant and at-risk and their families or partners to take control of their bodies, pregnancies and families. Wadsworth City Schools will assist in this project.

§         Dunlap Memorial Hospital, Orrville, $11,284 for “Growing Healthy Habits, to provide educational and motivational opportunities related to fitness and nutrition for approx 500 students and their families in the Orrville City School district.

The grants were presented June 5 in a recognition event attended by state legislators representing the hospitals.

The Foundation for Healthy Communities was established in 1994 and its mission is to advance good health for all Ohioans. It initiates and champions health improvement and education by engaging partners, promoting proven strategies and advocating for wellness. Learn more about the Foundation for Healthy Communities at www.HealthyCommunitiesOhio.org.

###