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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county & community efforts.

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Closing The Gap Program

Florida Department of Health Franklin County

  •  (850) 653-2111
  •  

    Fax

    (850) 653-9896
  •  

    Mailing Address

    Florida Department of Health Franklin County 

    139 12th Street 

    Apalachicola, Florida 32320 

Background

The Reducing Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities "Closing the Gap" grant program, section 381.7356, Florida Statutes; was signed into law on June 8, 2000.  These grants are utilized to stimulate the development of community and neighborhood-based organizations to improve health outcomes of racial and ethnic populations and promote disease prevention activities. 

Projects funded through the Closing the Gap grant program help stimulate broad-based participation and the support of both public and private entities by: 

  • Fostering partnerships between local governments, community groups and private sector health care organizations;
  • Helping communities address their most pressing health needs through targeted health screenings, education and awareness programs; and
  • Helping communities better understand the nature of health disparities among ethnic and racial groups.

What’s happening in Franklin?
The Closing the Gap grantees have partnered with Project Impact, a 21st Century Community Learning Center, on implementing the CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) Kids Club evidenced-based curriculum. CKC is a physical activity and nutrition education proram designed for elementary and middle school aged children in an afterschool or summer setting. CKC will provide children with at least 30 minutes of physical activity (moderate-to-vigorous) and 30 minutes of nutrition education.

CKC focuses on the following:

  • Helping after-school and recreation staff create and support a healthy environment.
  • Offers an easy-to-use format that both children and staff enjoys an is easy to implement. The program philosophy and resources helps lead safe and enjoyable activities, and encourage healthy habits.
  • CATCH Kids Club meets the National Afterschool Association Standards for Healthy Eating and Physical Activity, covering best practices for out-of school time for youth ages 5-14.

These projects focus on improved health outcomes of racial and ethnic populations from disease prevention activities; increased fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity amongyouth; and enhanced community understanding of the nature of health disparities among ethnic and racial groups.

Chronic Disease Health Information

Obesity

Diabetes

Heart Disease

For more information, contact 850-653-2111 ext. 6002/6025.

https://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/minority-health/index.html