WASHINGTON – The Department of Health and Human Services has granted $650 million to an initiative that is working toward “creating ways for healthful lifestyle habits to be the natural first choice for Americans.”

The funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) will be used to increase physical activity, improve nutrition, decrease obesity and decrease smoking in U.S. communities.

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has announced a funding opportunity for communities and tribes to apply for $373 million in cooperative agreements for the public health initiative, Communities Putting Prevention to Work, to be led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“This initiative will make disease prevention and health promotion top priorities in states and communities across the country,” she said. “Preventing disease is vital as a strategy to improve our nation’s health and reduce healthcare costs.”

The program will improve access to healthy foods and opportunities for physical activity and put into place policies, such as clean-indoor-air laws, that will promote health. Funded entities will have two years to complete their work and will emphasize high-impact, broad-reaching policy, environmental and system changes in schools (K-12) and communities.

The $373 million in cooperative agreements will be awarded to communities through a competitive selection process. The money will support evidence-based prevention strategies for youth and adults and promote partnerships across communities and sectors.

The remainder of the funds for this initiative will be made available in the coming weeks to states, territories and organizations to support, extend and evaluate the reach and impact of the community projects.

“The CDC is excited to have this opportunity to help states and communities do more to deliver proven prevention strategies in ways that reach whole communities and populations,” said CDC Director Thomas Frieden, MD. “Chronic diseases linked to obesity, poor nutrition, physical inactivity and tobacco use are the leading causes of death and disability in our nation. These additional resources will improve the quality of life for millions of Americans.”

Communities interested in applying for Communities Putting Prevention to Work grants can find more information at www.grants.gov. The application deadline for the community projects is Dec. 1.