Media Release

FOR: Immediate Release
DATE: October 5, 1998
CONTACT: Patricia A. Nolan, MD, MPH

Department of Health Receives ASTHO Vision Award

On September 23, 1998, the Rhode Island Department of Health received an ASTHO Vision Award in recognition of the Rhode Island Prevention Coalition at the annual meeting of the Association of State & Territorial Health Officials in St. Louis, Missouri. ASTHO praised the Rhode Island Prevention Coalition stating, "This endeavor exemplifies the award's purpose of achieving excellence in public health through innovation, in a unique and outstanding way." In addition to a beautiful glass obelisk, the Department received a monetary award of $3,000 from ASTHO. Dr. Nolan presented the $3,000 award to Dr. Richard Carleton, Chairman of the Rhode Island Prevention Coalition, at the Coalition's annual meeting on Monday, October 5, 1998. Dr. Nolan said, "I am thrilled that the unique contributions of the Rhode Island Prevention Coalition have been recognized at the national level by State health officials."

The Rhode Island Prevention Coalition is a consortium of health plans, health care systems, hospitals, voluntary health agencies, and other interested groups to promote health and prevent disease in Rhode Island. Promoting physical activity is currently the priority of the Rhode Island Prevention Coalition. The Coalition is promoting physical activities in Rhode Island by funding community-based physical activity projects and also promoting the international "Sli-Path to Health" program, which is a walking path initiative.

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