Media Release

CONTACT: Avery Colt, Executive Director,
RI Prevention Center
Phone: 401-273-2286 Fax: 401-273-9522
Email: riphf@gis.net
FOR: Immediate Release
DATE: January 25, 2001

Rhode Island Prevention Coalition Awards Community Grants Physical Activity Promotes Good Health

Today, the Rhode Island Prevention Coalition announced grants to provide walking programs and paths in several Rhode Island communities. Six organizations including a hospital, a church association, two senior centers, a YMCA, and a voluntary agency serving people with arthritis received grants ranging from $9,827 to $28,445

The agencies and funded projects include:

The Arthritis Foundation, Rhode Island Region. "Walk with Ease Program." A pain control and walking program for persons with mild to moderate osteoarthritis. $28,445.

Cranston YMCA. "Cranston Teens Move It." A walking club for inactive/overweight teens. $11,561.

East Providence Senior Center. "Move It, Rhode Island." Project to build a community walking path on the campus of the Center. $9,827.

Leon A. Mathieu Senior Center. "Pawtucket Gets Physical." Project to expand the Center's physical activity programs to include a regular moderate walking initiative." $10,000.

The Miriam Hospital. "Worksite and Media Promotion Campaign to Encourage Utilization of Walking Paths in Providence." $21,977.

South Providence Neighborhood Ministries. "Path to Health Program." To develop a multi-cultural walking path on Broad Street. $12,505.

The grants total $94,315. Grantees will contribute an additional $80,219 in matching cash and in-kind support.

"This is the third round of awards in the Prevention Coalition's Community Grants Program," said RI Prevention Coalition Chair, Carol Garber, Ph.D., "making a total of $426,679 to 28 local agencies and organizations across the state since 1997." Funding comes from the Rhode Island Department of Health, private sector Coalition members the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

The Rhode Island Prevention Coalition, established in 1996, is a voluntary association of public health agencies, health care providers, voluntary health agencies, health insurers and other participants in the Rhode Island health system. The Rhode Island Public Health Foundation, a private non-profit corporation established in 1993 provides management and fiscal support.

"Moderate exercise, such as walking, improves cardiovascular health, reduces stress, and benefits the whole person," said Richard A. Carleton, MD, chairman emeritus of the Coalition's Executive Committee. "The best strategy for promoting physical activity is to make physical activity programs and facilities readily available at the community level. That’s why we chose to establish the Community Grants Program."

The Prevention Coalition also supports the Path to Health Program, designed to assure accessible walking paths are available in all 39 cities and towns in Rhode Island.