Bernie Sanders: Healthy Communities

[ProSense]

Healthy Communities

Vermont is in line to receive up to $3.1 million over the next five years as part of one of the country's largest investments ever in promoting good health. The new national initiative also will limit spending by avoiding costly, chronic diseases in the first place. "In America today millions of people are dying prematurely and are suffering from diseases because of smoking and poor diets," Sen. Bernie Sanders said. "Investing in disease prevention and healthier life styles will not only save lives and ease human suffering, it will also save health care dollars."

Vermont's congressional delegation had urged U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to include Vermont in the first round of grants.

Sen. Patrick Leahy said curbing chronic disease is key to keeping Vermonters healthier, trimming health costs and narrowing the health care gap that separates rich, middle-income and poor Americans

Rep. Peter Welch said Vermont has led the nation in creating better health care outcomes for all citizens, regardless of their economic means. "This grant will help the state further that work," he said.

In Montpelier, Dr. Harry Chen, the Vermont health commissioner, welcomed the grant. The state will use the first year's installment of $621,760 to help decrease disparities in health care for poor people and minorities. The department plans to focus on reducing tobacco use and promoting exercise and healthy diets.

Nationwide, Vermont was one of 61 recipients of grants to fight chronic diseases, the leading cause of death in Americans. Created by the Affordable Care Act, the health care reform law, the new grant program will address the root causes of disease that often are related to economic, social, and physical factors.

HHS: New Affordable Care Act initiative helps create healthier communities, fight chronic disease

[Cigar11]

1. Smart ...