Grant to assist OU-HCOM youth obesity prevention program

The AmeriCorps/ComCorps program at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine (OU-HCOM) was one of 26 organizations in the state to receive nearly $7 million in grant funding from the Ohio Community Service Council.

The Council provides funding to groups and programs that address the Corporation for National and Community Service areas of priority that include strengthening education, fostering economic opportunity, preparing for and responding to emergencies, improving health, meeting environmental needs, and assisting veterans and military families.

The $260,000 grant received by ComCorps will be used to plan, implement and evaluate a new obesity prevention focus for Athens County children, Kathy Trace, executive director of the OU-COM Area Health Education Center and Community Health Services, said in a news release.

“The ComCorps program is very important to improving the health and wellness of Athens County,” Trace said. “Prevention is the key to good health and quality of life – this program through strong partnerships allows us to focus on reducing childhood obesity and other factors which contribute to chronic disease.”

The obesity prevention program components will include a healthy diet curriculum, gardening education and outreach, and a partnership with the Community Food Initiatives Donation Station. ComCorps also will continue to serve Athens County by providing health screenings and assisting clients with the Ohio Benefit Bank. By utilizing all of these initiatives, the release said, ComCorps will strive to reduce the body mass index of Athens County children. They’ll engage not only students, but their families and community members as well, to play an active role in promoting health with nutrition and garden education to increase access to healthy fresh food.

ComCorps’ partners for the next year will include Athens City, Nelsonville-York City, Federal Hocking Local, and Trimble Local school districts; OU-COM’s Community Health Programs; the Athens City-County Health Department; Athens County Children Services; Community Food Initiatives; Good Works, Inc.; Kids on Campus; and Live Health Appalachia. Twenty ComCorps members will work with these organizations to accomplish this year’s programs.

For information about the program, contact Lauren Vorovicka, program coordinator, at Borovicka@oucom.ohiou.edu, or call 593-2293.