Programs aimed at cutting smoking and obesity and improving nutrition and physical activity will be among the beneficiaries of a $650-million prevention and wellness initiative funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that local communities and tribal governments may apply for $373 million in cooperative agreements for the Communities Putting Prevention to Work initiative, shepherded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "This initiative will make disease prevention and health promotion top priorities in states and communities across the country," said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

Grant recipients will receive funding for two years to change health-related systems and environments, such as implementing bans on indoor smoking. Evidence-based prevention programs for youths and adults will be funded.

The remainder of the funds go to states, territories, and organizations to support, extend and evaluate the reach and impact of the community-based projects.

"The CDC is excited to have this opportunity to help states and communities do more to deliver proven prevention strategies, in ways that reach whole communities and populations," said CDC director Thomas Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. "Chronic diseases linked to obesity, poor nutrition, physical inactivity, and tobacco use are the leading causes of death and disability in our nation. These additional resources will improve the quality of life for millions of Americans."

Application deadline for the community projects is Dec 1. Deadlines for state, territory, and other prevention projects will be announced soon. For more details, see the full grant announcement online.