Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced $7 million will be awarded to four organizations that are working to prevent and control obesity, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. The grant, awarded by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will be dispersed over the next three years.

"The health and well-being of New Yorkers continues to improve every day and a large part of that is the work of organizations promoting healthy living in their communities," Governor Cuomo said. "This funding helps strengthen these organizations in the battle against deadly, but preventable diseases and helps pave the way towards a healthier New York."

The recipients of the four grants serve counties with high rates of chronic disease and/or more than 40 percent minority population. The funding will allow each organization to implement strategies in community and health care settings that promote health, support and reinforce healthful behaviors, encourage lifestyle change program participation, and link community programs to clinical services. This includes everything from increasing availability of healthy foods in small retail stores to implementing community plans that promote walking and increased engagement of health workers with their communities.

The organizations receiving awards are:

Organization	County or Counties to be served	Funded Amount
Albany County Department of Health	Albany	$ 879,880
Health Advancement Collaborative of Central New York (HealtheConnections)	Cayuga, Cortland, Herkimer, Oneida, Onondaga and Oswego	$2,053,020
Hudson River HealthCare, Inc.	Rockland and Westchester	$2,053,020
P2 Collaborative of Western New York	Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming	$2,053,020

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said, "We are delighted that CDC is recognizing the hard work by these organizations that are working to lower the rates of chronic disease in their communities. Encouraging New Yorkers to adopt healthier lifestyles is an ongoing challenge, but one that we must pursue if we are to turn the tide on these preventable diseases."

These awards are being administered through the New York State Department of Health's Local Initiatives for Multi Sector Public Health Action, or Local IMPACT, program. This program supports goals to improve population health, transform health care delivery and reduce health disparities and aligns with current state health initiatives such as the Prevention Agenda, the state's health care blueprint as well as the State Health Innovation Plan, Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment, and the Public Health Improvement Program.

Congressman Eliot Engel, a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, said, "Chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes impose tremendous burdens on American families. Thankfully, simple lifestyle changes can yield incredibly positive results for health and well-being, and can reduce your chances of developing these serious conditions. It's important for all of us in government to promote healthy living, and the best way to do that is through a strong federal and state partnership that delivers quality programming to local communities. I am pleased these federal funds will do just that across state, and I applaud Governor Cuomo for his commitment to the health of every New Yorker."

Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey said, "It is vital that we enable our health organizations to tackle chronic diseases. I'm pleased this federal investment will allow Hudson River HealthCare to continue providing top-notch care to residents in Westchester and Rockland. As Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, I will continue working to protect funding that improves the health of families living in the Lower Hudson Valley."

Congressman Brian Higgins said, "As our national dialogue around health care shifts its focus to prevention, organizations like the P2 Collaborative are critical in establishing links between providers and the community they serve to promote healthy behaviors. The over $2 million in federal funding awarded by New York State will go a long way in curbing chronic diseases and reducing health disparities in Western New York."

Congressman Paul Tonko said, "Chronic diseases are responsible for almost 70% of American deaths and account for more than 85 percent of our health care costs. These health risks can be mitigated by programs like Local IMPACT, which promote healthy living to reduce the damage caused by chronic disease. This support from Governor Cuomo's office will go a long way to help Albany County's tireless and determined health care professionals enhance healthy lives in the Capital Region. I look forward to continuing my work in Congress this year to improve the efficient use of federal support to this end."

Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney said, "Healthy communities are strong communities. That is why it is so important to invest in tools and strategies to help fight and prevent obesity, diabetes, and heart disease."

Congressman John Katko said, "I commend Governor Cuomo for ensuring that organizations across our state receive the support that they need to fight chronic and rare diseases and to help New Yorkers live healthy lives. In Central New York, this funding will allow HealtheConnections to continue its collaborative work to provide and improve access to healthcare. These efforts will help reduce chronic diseases and improve healthcare delivery for individuals and families throughout our region."

Chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer and asthma, are the leading causes of death, disability and rising health care costs in New York State. Specifically, they account for approximately 60 percent of all deaths in New York State and affect the quality of life for millions of New Yorkers.

For additional information on preventing chronic disease and the New York State Prevention Agenda 2013-2017 visit: http://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/prevention_agenda/chronic_disease/