Maximizing the Potential of Mini-Grants to Promote Policy, Systems, and Environmental Changes: Outcomes and...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Policy
• Community Health Initiatives

Background:

• Chronic diseases pose a significant public health burden, necessitating innovative strategies for prevention and management.
• Policy, Systems, and Environmental (PSE) changes are crucial for creating sustainable health improvements at the community level.
• State health departments play a vital role in coordinating and funding public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the implementation and evaluation of a chronic disease mini-grant initiative.
• To assess the effectiveness of using braided funding and intermediary organizations to promote local PSE changes.
• To identify challenges and successes in implementing and evaluating community-based health initiatives.

Main Methods:

• A chronic disease mini-grant initiative was coordinated by a state health department using braided funding from federal and state sources.
• Mini-grants were facilitated by intermediary organizations to promote PSE changes in physical activity, nutrition, and tobacco control.
• Primary (surveys) and secondary (final reports) data were collected to document PSE changes and evaluate the initiative.

Main Results:

• A total of $196,369 was disbursed to 65 organizations, resulting in 126 documented PSE changes.
• Initiative implementation faced challenges including sector heterogeneity, variability in activities, and disruptions from COVID-19.
• Successful PSE changes were achieved in physical activity, nutrition, and tobacco control at the local level.

Conclusions:

• The initiative's success was attributed to intermediary organizations, participatory evaluation, braided funding, and a multisector approach.
• Engaging traditional and nontraditional public health organizations enhanced the reach of PSE changes.
• Findings offer valuable insights for other state health departments seeking to braid funding and utilize intermediary organizations for local health improvements.