New City, Feb 14 — The NYS Department of Health has awarded $1.5 million to Rockland County for new programs to prevent obesity, type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases.
The five-year Creating Healthy Places to Live, Work and Play (CHP) grant program was designed to improve the health and well being of Rockland County residents, students, and employees. The NYS funds will support the county’s heath department’s work developing community and workplace programs to improve healthy habits.
‘€œThis grant will allow us to develop plans and actions that improve access to healthier food choices and physical activity,’€ said Dr. Joan Facelle, Rockland County Commissioner of Health. The grant was announced by Rockland County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef last Friday.
Examples of possible projects include new farmers’ markets and community gardens, nutrition and physical activity education in child care facilities, improving walking and biking trails, and working with the owners of grocery stores and restaurants to promote healthier food options. The Health Department will work with municipal leaders and key agencies from the communities of Haverstraw, Monsey, Spring Valley, and West Haverstraw.
Source: Rockland County
