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Health Foundation of South Florida's Board of Directors approved $1,848,300 for grants focused on increasing access to quality, primary health care; healthy eating active communities; preventive health-measures; oral health and other community health needs. The grants, which range from $21,000 to $200,000, were awarded to 21 nonprofit organizations in Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties.

According to Health Foundation of South Florida Chairman Richard Lavina, "Supporting the essential efforts of nonprofits that are making an impact on improving the health of underserved individuals and families is at the core our mission." He added, "Through leadership and partnering for collaborative action, we strive to ensure that South Floridians have access to quality health services."

In Miami-Dade County, grants were awarded to: Banyan Community Health Center, $20,000, planning oral health services at a new Federally Qualified Health Center in Little Havana; Centro Mater Child Care Services, $45,000,increase capacity to provide staff training for an evidence-based physical activity program in their child care centers; Chapman Partnership, $200,000, provide health services to approximately 2,400 homeless individuals at the Hope Clinic and $30,000 to increase access to dental care for homeless individuals living at Chapman Partnership; CHARLEE of Dade County, $51,000, improve the health of foster children through screenings, preventive health services and monitoring; Common Threads, $21,000 for a nutrition education program targeting 4th graders in 20 public schools; Farm Share, $75,000, improve access to fresh produce among low-income families; Miami Dade College Foundation, $60,000, expand a primary care clinic serving low-income, underserved individuals.

In addition, Miami-Dade County Health Department, $197,000, provide breast and cervical cancer screenings to uninsured women; Open Door Health Center, $200,000, provide free primary health care for low-income and uninsured residents in Homestead/Florida City and surrounding area; University of Miami, $107,000, establish a transition of care for children with special health needs aging into the adult health care system.

In Broward County, grants were awarded to: Archways, $96,300,facilitate electronic charting and e-prescribing to meet the meaningful use measures for behavioral health care; Boys & Girls Club of Broward County, $120,000, implement an evidence-based nutrition program in 11 after-school clubs; Broward College Foundation, $91,000, provide low-cost dental care; Broward County Health Department, $150,000, provide breast and cervical cancer screenings for uninsured women; Broward Smart Growth Partnership,$50,000, work with elected officials/staff in four cities encouraging them to adopt modified policies/ city codes to promote increased walking and biking; ChildNet, $50,000, support a health care program for foster care children; Nova Southeastern University, $50,000, dental care for special needs children.

In Monroe County: Rural Health Network of Monroe County, $130,000, for a new Federally Qualified Health Center in Key West and Star of the Sea Foundation, $35,000 to increase access to fresh produce among low-income residents in the Florida Keys.

In addition, Florida Chain, $70,000 to assist with the implementation of a federally-facilitated state health insurance exchange through an advocacy and communication campaign.

Health Foundation of South Florida, a nonprofit grantmaking organization, is dedicated to improving health in Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties. By advancing health solutions, the Foundation makes a measurable and sustainable impact in ensuring access to affordable, quality health services for all residents, especially the underserved. Since 1993, the Foundation has awarded more than $98 million in grants and program support. For information, please call 305.374.7200 or visit: www.hfsf.org.

SOURCE Health Foundation of South Florida