Building healthy communities

Chronic diseases are increasing at a rapid pace. One in three Americans experiences cardiovascular disease, one in ten experiences diabetes, and childhood obesity rates have tripled in the past 20 years. To address these trends, the Cardinal Health Foundation funds local preventive healthcare initiatives that encourage healthy lifestyles. We are specifically interested in projects that:

• Focus on the early years of life when health habits are formed
• Make school and afterschool environments healthy
• Link to existing community partnerships

Community partnerships, collaborative efforts and programs that are informed by evidence-based research related to children, families and the elderly are preferred.

Healthcare is more complex than ever and the risk of miscommunication is great. This risk is not limited to those who cannot read. Health literacy is impacted by educational, social, socioeconomic and cultural factors, too. The Cardinal Health Foundation funds organizations and programs that create patient- and family- centered medical environments stress clear communication and enable individuals to better understand and act on healthcare information and manage personal health.

Community partnerships, collaborative efforts and programs that are informed by evidence-based research related to children, families and the elderly are preferred.

One in five teens misuse pain medications, stimulants and tranquilizers. Four out of the top five most abused narcotics in high schools are prescription drugs. Substance abuse, including prescription medications, affects 17% of the elderly. The Cardinal Health Foundation partners with programs and organizations that help prevent the abuse and misuse of prescription drugs. We are specifically interested in projects that involve education targeted to youth and the elderly.