The American Planning Association (APA) is an emerging leader in the field of healthy communities in partnership with the public health profession.  As such, APA has received an award from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as part of the National Dissemination and Implementation Program within the Division of Community Health, Funding Opportunity Announcement #DP14-1418.  These funds have allowed APA to bring support to local coalitions in efforts to reduce chronic disease in communities across the United States, and represent the first time APA has been able to offer monetary resources to promote public health.

The purpose of this funding opportunity is to improve the capacity of planning and public health professionals to advance community-based strategies providing for equitable access to healthcare and nutritious foods, opportunities for physical activity, and less exposure to and consumption of tobacco.  Through an overarching collaborative strategy that brings together members of APA and the American Public Health Association (APHA) working in communities, this project will address population health goals by promoting the inclusion of health in non-traditional sectors-- specifically, urban and regional planning, but also transportation, recreation, real estate development, and others.  Funds for this project will be competitively awarded to build local capacity in grantee communities across the U.S. and empower actors to continue such work beyond the funding cycle.

Each applicant's proposal must address one or more of the following determinants of chronic disease:

• Inactivity:  Increase opportunities for physical activity
• Unhealthy diet:  Improve access to nutritious food
• Tobacco:  Decrease exposure to and use of tobacco and nicotine products
• Lack of access to preventive care: Increase access to health care

In addition, health equity and improving opportunities for living a health life are central to the goals of this project.  As the proposal takes shape, keep health equity in mind.  Finally, health needs assessment and the use of built environment health data will be key.

Find more information on the APA website.

Informational Call

November 25, 2014

3:00 p.m. ET

Letter of Intent Deadline

December 2, 2014

5:00 p.m. ET

Deadline for Submitting Questions

December 7, 2014

11:59 p.m. ET

Complete Proposals and All Materials Due

December 22, 2014

11:59 p.m. ET