I would like to share some new resources as well as a funding announcement for Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities opportunity from Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

The mission of the Office of Community Wellness and Prevention is to lead and support the development of healthy people and communities in Washington by promoting policies and healthy behaviors to attain lifelong prevention and management of chronic disease. This mission is truly a driver for how the staff are working to organize efforts within the Office.

Recently, the Office developed a new web page that links to tools such as county fact sheets, resources and best practices.  This is definitely a work in progress and one that we will continue to develop. Please take a moment to click on the Data, Best Practices and Resources links.  http://www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/CWP/default.htm

Additionally Community Wellness and Prevention staff has developed a newsletter that will be sent out on a regular basis.  The intent is to provide information and resources related to chronic disease prevention efforts for local partners.  See attachment.

<<CWPupdate dec08_FINAL_12308.doc>>
I am hopeful that this information will be of use. I look forward to any comments, questions or suggestions.  Thank You. 

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FUNDING ANNOUNCEMENT
Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities Call for Proposals
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) is pleased to announce a new call for proposals (CFP) for Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities, a national program whose primary goal is to implement healthy eating and active living policy- and environmental-change initiatives that can support healthier communities for children and families across the United States. The program places special emphasis on reaching children at highest risk for obesity on the basis of race/ethnicity, income and/or geographic location.

Under this CFP, RWJF will award approximately 60 grants to community partnerships across the United States, each of which will receive up to $360,000 total over four years. All grantees must secure a cash and/or in-kind match equal to at least 50 percent of the RWJF award over the entire grant period.

Partnerships from all states are encouraged to apply. The Foundation will, however, give special consideration to proposals from 15 states where rates of childhood obesity are particularly high: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia. Approximately half of the grants under this CFP will be awarded to communities within these states.

The deadline for brief proposals is February 3, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time. All proposals must be submitted electronically through the RWJF Grantmaking Online system.

Go to www.healthykidshealthycommunities.org to download a copy of the CFP, review frequently asked questions (FAQs), register for an applicant conference call, and access the RWJF Grantmaking Online system.

Thank you for your interest in this important initiative to improve the health of our nation’s children.

<<cfp_HKHC2008.pdf>>
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Sue Grinnell, Office Director
Community Wellness and Prevention
Division of Community and Family Health
Washington State Department of Health
PO Box 47839
Olympia, WA  98504-7839
Office:  (360) 236-3687
Fax:     (360) 236-3717
Blackberry:  (360) 507-4996
email: sue.grinnell@doh.wa.gov

Public Health - Always working for a Safer and Healthier Washington