(Utica, NY – March 29, 2013) Seven local organizations will receive funding for community projects to improve the health of the Mohawk Valley from the American Heart Association. Dr. Frank Dubeck, Board of Directors President of the Greater Utica Area American Heart Association/American Stroke Association is proud to announce the recipients of the “Greater Utica Community Impact Grant Awards.” The Greater Utica Division of the American Heart Association has received $25,000 to provide grant funding for community-based organizations in the Greater Utica area with the mission of building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
The 2012-2013 grants were awarded to the following organizations:
| Organization | Focus Area |
| YMCA of the Greater Tri Valley New Hartford Branch | Childhood Obesity |
| Revolutionary Trails Council, Boy Scouts of America | Childhood Obesity |
| Bassett Healthcare Network, School-Based Health Program | Childhood Obesity |
| Rome Memorial Hospital, Inc. | Physical Inactivity/Power To End Stroke |
| The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter, NYSARC | Physical Inactivity |
| St. Elizabeth Hospital | Community, Healthy Lifestyle Online Risk Assessment |
| The Children’s Museum | Childhood Obesity/Physical Inactivity |
Grant proposals were requested by Dec. 31 that supported community projects aimed at reducing cardiovascular disease, stroke, and their risk factors, in line with American Heart Association goals.
Proposals were evaluated and scored by the Community Impact Grant Review Committee based on how well the applicants provided the following information:
- Clear statement of need and overall goals/objectives/specific aims of project
- Description of how project will accomplish goals/objectives/specific aims and target population
- Likelihood of the project to meet community need
- Past success of organization/team/project leader
- Evaluation process of the project to measure deliverables
- Necessary budget
“We were so happy to see the level of creative projects being developed to support the fight against heart disease and stroke,” says Dr. Frank Dubeck. “There were many merit-worthy projects that would result in improvements in the cardiovascular health of our community. The decisions were not easy.”
Dr. Dubeck also notes that as the American Heart Association focuses its attention on systems change, local staff presence to directly participate and support many of these important community initiatives is lacking. The funding will help to ensure that activities continue and new, creative projects are executed.
Any organization interested in applying for a 2013-2014 grant can call the American Heart Association at 315-266-5403 or pick up an application at the office located at 120 Lomond Court, Utica, NY 13502.