Health providers across the state have been awarded a total of $2,772,014 in Project Diabetes implementation grants from the Tennessee Center for Diabetes Prevention and Health Improvement. The funding will be used for efforts to prevent and treat patients with diabetes. Project Diabetes is an innovative public health initiative launched by Governor Phil Bredesen in 2006.

“This grant program is an important component of Project Diabetes and our efforts to reduce the incidence of Type 2 diabetes in Tennessee,” said Governor Bredesen. “I’m pleased to support the efforts of these health providers to fight diabetes and empower Tennesseans to improve their own health.”

Project Diabetes implementation grant recipients and award amounts are as follows:

Baptist Memorial Healthcare, Memphis $166,500
Dawn of Hope, Inc., Johnson City $ 51,100
East Tennessee State University, Johnson Cit $ 94,000
Jellico Community Hospital, Jellic $109,900
Metro Public Health Department, Nashville $250,000
Metro Safety Net Consortium, Nashville $250,000
Perry County Medical Center, Linden $250,000
Rural Health Services Consortium, Rogersville $223,500
Southeast Regional Health Office, Chattanooga $328,600
St. Thomas Family Health Centers, Nashville $122,600
University Health System, Knoxville $217,300
Upper Cumberland Community Services Agency, Cookeville $127,900
U.T. Health Science Center, Memphis $244,800
Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Nashville $202,100

Grantees will use the Project Diabetes funding for a variety of programs to reach people of all ages who currently have diabetes or are at risk for the disease. Funded programs include both treatment and prevention services, as well as education on how to modify behaviors and improve conditions that can contribute to the development of diabetes.

“It is important that we inform both adults and children throughout Tennessee that Type 2 diabetes is largely preventable with simple lifestyle changes such as increasing physical activity and eating a healthful diet,” said Health Commissioner Susan R. Cooper, MSN, RN. “The Project Diabetes grants fund programs that will carry this message to our citizens to get them on the path to better health and longer lives.”