Lung association awards mini-grants to local organizations

The American Lung Association in Delaware announced the recipients of the Delaware Division of Public Health Mini-Grants for 2021-22.

The mini-grant program was established to enable Delaware communities to develop their own tailor-made smoking education, prevention or cessation programs, incorporating physical activity, nutrition and obesity initiatives. It is estimated that these programs will educate more than 10,000 Delawareans annually about the dangers of tobacco use. A diverse team of community leaders selected 28 agencies to receive the funding.

Local 2021-22 mini-grant recipients are: Bayhealth Medical Center Inc., CAMP Rehoboth, Community Inspired Action, Delaware 4H-Sussex County, Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association, First State Community Action Agency, Georgetown Boys and Girls Club, Greater Milford Boys & Girls Club, Oak Orchard Boys and Girls Club and Western Sussex Boys and Girls Club.

The American Lung Association in Delaware manages the mini-grant program, made possible by the Delaware Division of Public Health’s Tobacco Prevention/PANO Community Contract, supported by the Delaware Health Fund.

Each recipient was required to address at least one goal for A Plan for A Tobacco-free Delaware and at least one of the PANO goals.

The goals for A Plan for A Tobacco-free Delaware include: Prevent the initiation and use of tobacco and emerging products among Delawareans; increase quitting and quit attempts among Delawareans who use tobacco products; eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke, vapors and other emissions; decrease the social acceptability of tobacco, e-cigarettes and emerging tobacco products; and strengthen and cultivate Delaware’s leadership in all levels in comprehensive tobacco prevention and control.

Goals for physical activity, nutrition promotion and obesity prevention include: Increase access or opportunities for daily physical activity for children and families; increase the number of organizations adopting policies and/or practices promoting federal nutritional guidelines and physical activity standards; strengthen community or organization capacity to promote a healthy built environment, health in all policies and health equity; and prevent obesity through increased knowledge, skills and behaviors of healthy eating and physical activity and its impact on chronic disease.

Mini-grant recipients are required to submit monthly reporting and attend two out of three technical training workshops.