Skip to main content

MDCH Awards Active Living Grants to Encourage Healthy Communities

For Immediate Release: September 29, 2014

LANSING, Mich. – Walking is a simple form of physical activity that can be done almost anywhere and fit into any schedule. In an effort to encourage healthy communities and the many long-term health benefits of walking, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) developed the Active Living Grant Project. MDCH is pleased to announce that six communities have been selected to begin implementing their projects in October.

"Having safe, convenient places to walk in our communities is central to encouraging healthy behaviors and lifestyles,” said Nick Lyon, director of the MDCH. “These funds will assist community-based organizations in their efforts to educate residents and create environments that promote physical activity.”

The six projects selected to receive Active Living Grant Project funding focused on creating or enhancing places for physical activity. A total of $75,000 is being awarded to agencies that proposed increasing physical activity through walking campaigns, park initiatives, way-finding signage, physical activity education, and distribution of information in some of Michigan’s high burden areas.

The following is the list of awardees and their target communities:

  • Allegiance Prevention and Community Health, in the City of Jackson
  • Kent County Health Department, in the Grand Rapids Garfield Park and Roosevelt Park neighborhoods
  • District Health Department #2, in Ogemaw County
  • Chippewa County Health Department, in Chippewa County
  • Hannahville Indian Community, in the Upper Peninsula
  • Michigan Recreation and Park Association, with parks in Genesee, Muskegon, Berrien, Wayne and Tuscola Counties

The Active Living Grant Project was developed by the MDCH Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity Prevention Program to develop sustainable projects that promote active living. This project aligns with Michigan’s efforts to reduce obesity rates and improve overall health through the Michigan Health and Wellness 4 x 4 Plan.

For more information about the Michigan Health and Wellness 4 x 4 Plan, visit www.michigan.gov/healthymichigan.

# # #