PROJECT P.A.C.E. GRANT WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Project P.A.C.E (Physically Active Communities Excel), a statewide initiative to increase regular physical activity levels among Nebraska’s rural communities, today announced the recipients of its first community grant awards.

In making the announcement, Project Coordinator Renee’ Steinkruger said, “Project P.A.C.E strives to reduce barriers to physical activity by providing financial support (up to $10,000) and resources to increase opportunities for rural community residents to be physically active more regularly.” 

Project P.A.C.E grant award recipients are:

Scottsbluff County Health Department  (Scottsbluff/Gering)
North Central District Health Department (O’Neill, Bassett, Creighton, Neligh, Osmond)
Gage County PATCH (Beatrice)
South Heartland District Health Department     (Adams, Clay, Nuckolls, Webster Counties)    
Saint Francis Medical Center (Grand Island)
Loup Basin Public Health Department (Howard County)
Wellness Works of Kearney  (Kearney)
Chadron State College (Chadron)Recipient communities will participate in the P.A.C.E Challenge (Feb. 1- June 30)  where they will compete to accumulate the most steps per capita. Communities will use Nebraska On the Move ( www.nebraskaonthemove.org ) and/or N-Lighten Nebraska ( www.n-lightennebraska.com ) programs to record activity and generate ideas on how to get their communities active. The two communities with the most steps per capita, will be selected to receive an additional $10,000 to maintain or improve their walking programs.

Communities were selected based on their ability to demonstrate a creative, reasonable, and effective plan to increase opportunities for physically activity among residents of all ages, incomes, and ethnic groups. Evidence of collaboration with numerous community organizations in promoting physical activity was also very important in the selection process.  Project P.A.C.E. is funded in part by a grant from the Peter Kiewit Foundation. Other contributing sponsors include: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska, First National Bank, Union Pacific Railroad, Wellness Councils of the Midlands, Well Workplace Nebraska, Nebraska On the Move and  N-Lighten Nebraska.
    
To learn more about Project P.A.C.E or to get updates on the progress of each P.A.C.E. community, individuals can go to: www.projectpacene.com .