Health Foundation Awards Nearly $1 Million in Grants

By WY Daily Staff Monday, June 20, 2011

The Williamsburg Community Health Foundation announced more grant awards late last week, this time totaling $986,000.

The grants were distributed among three foundation-directed initiatives, which are programs formed in partnership with other organizations to address specific health needs in the region. “These programs, which represent some of our largest investments in the community, address both current needs and promote the long-term health of citizens,” said Foundation President and CEO Jeanne Zeidler.

Colonial Behavioral Health received $252,455 for its Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative to support a center for assessing juvenile behavioral health issues and making referrals; a forum for behavioral health care professionals; and a web site offering a comprehensive list of the area’s behavioral health resources.

The Virginia Health Care Foundation was awarded a $179,163 grant to support a program providing uninsured patients with free prescription medications. In 2010 the Greater Williamsburg Medication Assistance Program provided nearly 3,000 citizens in the area with medications valued at almost $11 million.

Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools were awarded a $554,000 grant to continue the School Health Program Initiative. SHIP promotes youth wellness by emphasizing nutrition and physical activity.

Since 1996, the WCHF has distributed more than $46 million to support health programs in the community.