St. Anthony Regional Hospital announced yesterday (Wednesday) that it has been selected as one of only 10 organizations from across the country to receive a $22,000 grant from the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors. Carroll County Public Health, an ancillary department of St. Anthony will spearhead the program, Reaching People with Disabilities through Healthy Communities, which will be funded through the grant. This program ensures fitness, tobacco cessation and nutrition education resources are available to all citizens of Western Iowa, including the elderly and individuals with disabilities. Julie Towne, public health clinical coordinator, said this program will allow them to examine the overall health of the communities in Carroll County and explore factors that contribute to increased productivity. They will conduct assessments and surveys of local organizations to gauge nutrition availability and physical activity and look for opportunities for improvement. The project is divided into five guided phases, complete with training opportunities, community assessment and action planning.
