Addressing clean indoor air regulations and government change promoting local environments favoring physical activity in five West Virginia counties

The Foundation's initiative, Tobacco Policy Change: A Collaborative for Healthier Communities and States, was designed to provide resources and technical assistance for community, regional, and national organizations and tribal groups interested in advocating for effective tobacco prevention and cessation policy initiatives.The Tobacco Policy Change Special Solicitation builds on previous success in attracting new and diverse partners whose constituencies are most directly affected by tobacco use and exposure. Grantees are expected to apply their advocacy skills and experience to advance tobacco policy and other public health policies in their communities. The Wellness Council is assisting three county seats in southern West Virginia as they move through the early stages of applying for designation as "Main Street" communities. The Main Street USA Trust is a national program aimed at addressing the issue of downtown and neighborhood commercial district revitalization. The Wellness Council is committed to supporting efforts by the three targeted communities to incorporate public health concerns into their Main Street projects by including features such as bike lanes, refurbished sidewalks, mileage markers, and residential codes requiring walking path inclusion for new developments. The Wellness Council is also leading local coalitions in each of the three counties as well as two adjoining counties that are working to strengthen local smokefree regulations.

Grant Details

Amount Awarded $296,541.00

Awarded on: 6/16/2008

Time frame: 7/1/2008 - 12/31/2009

Grant Number: 64492