Friday, April 19, 2024
4/19/2024
The purpose of this application is to build on Kentucky’s previous accomplishments in physical activity and nutrition (PAN) through numerous competitive awards, including CDC-1305 and CDC-805. In developing our plan, we have worked with key partners who have expertise in each strategy. We expect the project to produce positive outcomes in the areas of purchasing healthier foods, breastfeeding, physical activity, and PAN standards in early care and education. Kentucky faces significant challenges with health outcomes and health behaviors throughout the lifespan: Nearly one in three Kentucky children is obese or overweight before they enter kindergarten (27%), and that number continues to climb as they reach adolescence (35.5%) and enter adulthood (69.1%). Although obesity and related chronic diseases influence the entire commonwealth, they disproportionately affect some populations more than others. Residents in rural Kentucky, persons with cognitive and mobility disabilities, and racial and ethnic minorities experience an increased burden. Inequities related to food insecurity, food deserts, lack of walkable communities, mobility status and safety are all social indicators widening the disparity gap among certain geographical areas and populations within the state. To address the above challenges and disparities, this proposal is targeting both the eastern and western geographic areas of Kentucky. Specifically, the 38 counties included in the Purchase, Pennyrile, Cumberland Valley, Kentucky River and Big Sandy Area Development Districts. We will use a community-based participatory approach that cultivates community assets and existing partnerships established through the Partnership for a Fit Kentucky (PFK). The collaboration among public health, cooperative extension, transportation, and other community partners will nurture the development of solutions. Kentucky’s work plan proposes strengthening state infrastructure by expanding PFK partnerships and building a statewide network for training and technical assistance on all five PAN strategies, while simultaneously supporting local-level actions. Over the five-year project period, we plan to: • Provide opportunities for collaboration at the state- and local-levels through face-to-face meetings and improved communication networks; • Assist communities in 38 counties with the community-based participatory approach (including community engagement, action planning, implementation, and evaluation); • Provide a menu of evidence-based interventions for all five PAN strategies in community settings so that local stakeholders can participate in decision-making and tailoring actions for their community needs; • Provide competitive funding, ongoing guidance, and intensive expert support to local communities through a robust statewide technical assistance network that utilizes existing University and statewide resources; • Engage partners and counties in the evaluation and performance measurement plan; and • Use process and outcome evaluation data for continuous quality improvement and reports to describe the effectiveness of the interventions on short-term and intermediate outcomes.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
