Gov. Blagojevich announces grants to promote women's health

SPRINGFIELD - Gov. Rod Blagojevich today awarded 26 women's health grants totaling  $100,000 for community health awareness events, many of which target specific minority groups.

 

"These grants demonstrate how a small investment can go a long way in helping communities promote the benefits of healthy lifestyles," said Gov. Blagojevich. "Women will be encouraged to take charge of their own health care by learning how they can help prevent or treat disease and improve their overall quality of life."

 

Offered through the Illinois Department of Public Health, the competitive grants were awarded to 15 non-profit community organizations and 11 local health departments.  The majority of grantees will target minorities, including African-American, Asian and Hispanic women. 

 

Seventeen of the grantees will host health awareness seminars focusing on everything from breast and cervical cancer, depression, diabetes, and heart disease to nutrition, osteoporosis and sexual health. Nine of the grantees will coordinate "Women Out Walking" programs, which include teams of women participating in a 12-week walking challenge. 

 

"Our slogan at the Illinois Department of Public Health is ‘Improving Public Health...One Community at a Time,' and that's exactly what we are doing through these women's health mini-grants," said Dr. Eric E. Whitaker, state public health director.  "This funding, along with hundreds of other grants provided through the department, helps communities mobilize local resources to meet community health needs."

 

 

 

 

 

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