PO Box 360
Trenton, NJ 08625-0360

For Release:
July 8, 2013

Mary E. O'Dowd, M.P.H.
Commissioner

For Further Information Contact:
Office of Communications
(609) 984-7160

Christie Administration Awarded $9.4 Million CDC Grant For Prevention and Management Of Diabetes, Heart Disease and Other Chronic Diseases

The Christie Administration announced today that the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has awarded more than $9.4 million to the New Jersey Department of Health to prevent diabetes, heart disease, obesity and other chronic diseases and help those with risk factors better manage their chronic conditions.

"This funding will help the Department and its community partners prevent chronic conditions and move to a more integrated approach that helps people comprehensively manage chronic disease so they can lead healthier lives," said Health Commissioner Mary E. O'Dowd.

This new focus builds on the Department's success with Shaping NJ, a public private partnership for nutrition, physical activity and obesity prevention with 225 businesses, health care organizations, nutrition and wellness groups, schools and government agencies.

"We are prepared to expand our early success with ShapingNJ and create an even more extensive public private partnership to implement the state's Coordinated Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Plan," said Commissioner O'Dowd.

The initiative, which is funded over five years, will integrate the state's programs for cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, asthma, arthritis and obesity prevention. It will promote healthy eating and physical activity in child care settings and schools, community health centers and through hospital wellness programs.

Last Reviewed: 7/8/2013