Onondaga County Health Department Awarded $1.6 Million State Grant to Advance Healthy Schools and Communities
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Onondaga County Executive J. Ryan McMahon, II announced today that the Onondaga County Health Department has been awarded a $1.6 million, five-year grant from the New York State Department of Health through its Creating Healthy Schools and Communities (CHSC) program.
The CHSC grant will support a policy, systems, and environmental approach designed to expand opportunities for physical activity and improve access to healthier foods and beverages in several priority communities across Onondaga County. This work will reach multiple settings, including schools, early childhood education centers, workplaces, municipalities, and community organizations.
“Creating healthy environments where residents can live, learn, work, and play is an investment in the future of Onondaga County,” said County Executive McMahon. “This funding will strengthen our partnerships with schools, municipalities, employers, and community organizations to make healthy choices easier and more accessible for everyone.”
McMahon added, “Our administration has made the well-being and safety of children a top priority. This grant supports our ongoing efforts to ensure that kids across Onondaga County have access to environments that help them grow, thrive, and stay healthy.”
Through the grant, the Health Department will:
- Implement sustainable policy, systems, and environmental changes that support healthy eating and active living in schools, workplaces, and community settings.
- Expand the number of early childhood education and childcare providers adopting stronger nutrition and physical activity policies.
- Collaborate with municipalities to advance community planning and active transportation strategies that improve safe, accessible options for walking, bicycling, and other forms of physical activity.
“Healthy communities are built by creating environments that support good nutrition and active living,” said Dr. Kathryn Anderson, Onondaga County Commissioner of Health. “This funding allows us to continue working alongside our community partners to implement lasting changes that improve health outcomes for residents of all ages.”
The Creating Healthy Schools and Communities program supports evidence-based initiatives that reduce chronic disease risk by increasing access to nutritious foods and expanding opportunities for physical activity. This five-year grant will enable Onondaga County to further strengthen the health and well-being of residents across the community.