Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant Rhode Island FY 2008

The Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant (PHHSBG) is administered by the United States Department of Health and Human Services through its administrative agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  The Rhode Island Department of Health (DOH) is designated as the principal state agency for the allocation and administration of the PHHSBG within the State of Rhode Island. 

PHHS Block Grant allows Rhode Island to use funds where we need them, when we need them to protect the public’s health.  The grant funds are concentrated in health promotion programs, health disparities, community interventions, public health information and worksite initiatives.  PHHS Block Grant dollars are allocated to those health areas that have no other source of state or federal funds or where combined state and federal funds are insufficient to address the extent of death or disability that result from the health problem.  Each year, the Prevention Block Grant Advisory Committee in partnership with the Rhode Island Department of Health establishes program and funding priorities.

Cardiovascular Disease and African Americans: Heart & Soul Project
This project is a pilot study that targets African American adults to be screened for high blood pressure/high cholesterol and to encourage adherence to treatment, when appropriate, in two different community-based settings.  The goal is to work in partnership with public health professionals, advocacy groups, and concerned community and state leaders to develop strategies for identifying barriers and promoters for heart-healthy and stroke free living in local environments.

Final Report
Focus Group Posters
Chad Brown Health Center: a Heart & Soul site
John Hope Settlement House: a Heart & Soul site

Community Interventions
Reducing and eliminating health disparities in chronic disease and to address environmental risk factors in the Rhode Island population is a priority for the Rhode Island Department of Health.  The Department of Health will issue up to six Requests for Proposals to fund local interventions in the six core cities (Providence, Central Falls, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, Newport and West Warwick).  This initiative will greatly impact the racial and ethnic minority populations of Rhode Island.  The projects will include developing plans and networks to promote healthy environments, coordinate community resources, and assure health screening, education, and referrals to health providers at nearby hospitals or health centers for follow-up care as needed for chronic diseases. 

Health Improvement Planning
The attainment of the Year 2010 Health Objectives requires health-planning infrastructure to research, establish, disseminate and promote objectives, and evaluate progress toward achieving objectives.  By 2010, the Department of Health will develop and implement a health improvement plan that is used to inform policies and define actions that promote health and eliminate health disparities.

Rape Prevention and End Sexual Assault in Schools
The Rhode Island Department of Health has contracted for the provision of services to reduce the incidence of rape and attempted rape among women 12 and older.  Education and prevention services about sexual assault are provided to 800 middle, junior and high school students.  A statewide campaign is targeted to the entire population of 912,528 persons over the age of 10.

Worksite Wellness Program
The purpose of the state Worksite Wellness Program is to develop strategies for encouraging employers to initiate and adopt nationally recognized wellness programs.  The Chambers of Commerce, the Manufacturing Association, and other business and civic groups are utilized to reach employers.

For more details, please contact Carol Hall-Walker, Prevention Block Grant Region I Representative, Carol.Hall-Walker@health.ri.gov or 401-222-2589.