Washington - Sens. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded New Jersey more than $2 million in new federal funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to decrease tobacco use, reduce obesity, increase physical activity and improve nutrition. The Recovery Act, which Lautenberg helped author as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, was signed into law by President Obama in February of 2009.
"Investing in preventive health and wellness services can reduce the cost of care for families and help New Jerseyans live longer, healthier lives," stated Lautenberg, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. "Exercising, eating right and quitting tobacco use can help prevent disease, stem the rising cost of health care and ultimately benefit America's economy."
"This type of initiative not only makes families healthier, it makes families wealthier by cutting down on health care costs," stated Menendez. "Ultimately, the savings are passed around to everyone as the costs related to uninsured emergency care are reduced."
New Jersey will receive a total of $2,106,398 under the Department's Communities Putting Prevention to Work Program, which was funded under ARRA to prevent chronic disease, promote wellness and provide positive, sustainable health opportunities in communities throughout America. The funding New Jersey will receive is divided into two programs. The state will receive $938,132 through a federal program designed to expand and enhance tobacco quitlines. It will also be awarded $1,168,266 through a federal program designed to control tobacco use, promote physical activity and nutrition.
To learn more about Communities Putting Prevention to Work, visit http://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/recovery.
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