Utica, NY (WIBX) - The local American Heart Association was recently awarded Community Action Grants to support heart healthy initiatives in the greater Utica area.

Chairman of the Community Action Committee and Vice President of the Utica Division of the American Heart Association, Dr. Frank Dubeck said the group will get up to $25,000 a year for the next two years to promote healthier life styles. He said, "Awards will be granted towards projects that promote Go Red For Women, preventing childhood obesity, increasing physical activity and preventing strokes." Dr. Dubeck said the awards are significant because Utica was the first small city selected to receive the Community Impact Grant from the American Heart Association.

Dubeck said non-profit organizations can apply for awards by filling out an application through the local American Heart Association. According to Dr. Dubeck, applications will only be accepted via email as a Microsoft Word file or a PDF file. To get an application email tabitha.poplaski@heart.org. Applications are due on April 1, 2011. Notification will be made on June 1, 2011, with a 6 month reporting period report due on December 31, 2011. Also, funds will be expended until June 30, 2012, and the project completion date is December 31, 2012, however, Dr. Dubeck said the program will be extended if it proves to be successful. For more information contact the American Heart Association at (315) 797-8906.

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