Projo Fitness Blog

In an effort to battle childhood obesity, UnitedHealthcare of New England is giving grants up to $1,000 for children who come up with inventive programs to encourage healthy activities in their community.

Rhode Island is ranked as the 29th-highest state for childhood obesity.

The program, called "UnitedHealth Heroes" is designed to encourage young people, working through educators and youth leaders, to create and implement local hands-on programs to address the issue of childhood obesity.

Two UnitedHealth Group companies, UnitedHealthcare and Unison, are partnering with Youth Service America to launch the second year of the program in Rhode Island as well as 33 other states and the District of Columbia.

"Grants will be awarded to programs that demonstrate a clear understanding of the health risks associated with childhood obesity; propose creative solutions to combating obesity in their schools and communities; and can be easily implemented, scaled and measured," the company says.

Applications must be submitted online before midnight Thursday, Oct. 22. Grant recipients will be notified in December and January.

"With UnitedHealth HEROES, we are helping young people take action to improve their overall health and quality of life in a way that's not only educational, but beneficial for their communities. We believe that as people become more aware of health issues through health literacy and advocacy initiatives they will make positive changes to live better lives," said Steven Farrell, CEO, UnitedHealthcare of New England.

"Teams of students can collaborate with teachers and community leaders to develop their own programs to make their schools and neighborhoods healthier. We look forward to seeing the creative ideas our young people come up with to help fight obesity and encourage healthier living."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 30 percent of young people are obese and more than 60 percent have at least one avoidable risk for heart disease.

"Childhood obesity is one of the greatest health issues facing children and youth in the U.S.," said Steve Culbertson, YSA president and CEO. "UnitedHealth HEROES provides young people the rare, but important, responsibility to seek solutions to this epidemic, and I'm thrilled to see the innovative ideas used to educate and engage their peers."

 Tags  childhood obesity grants heroes UnitedHealthcare

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