Health Department Tabbed for One of Six National Health Grants

            The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has selected the Douglas County Health Department to receive one of six grants awarded across the country to use in better incorporating health considerations on major community projects.

            “This is another step forward in building a healthier community,” said Mary Balluff, Division Chief for Community Health and Nutrition with the DCHD.  “This will bring us further into discussions with our partners on issues that affect public health.”

            The department will conduct at least three Health Impact Assessments per year for three years on Housing and Land Use, Parks and Public Property, and Transportation.  DCHD also will provide training and help on proposed projects and policies to communities around Nebraska. 

            “We hope to establish procedures that include an assessment of the health impact on our communities when developing major projects,” said Rick Cunningham, City of Omaha Planning Director. “We also know that by getting in on the start of these projects, we can help keep them on schedule and create a healthier community.” 

            Partners in the application included the City of Omaha; including the Mayor’s Office and the departments of Planning, Public Works and Parks, Recreation & Public Property;  the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services; the Metropolitan Area Planning Agency; and Omaha by Design.