State Funding Awarded To Herkimer County HealthNet

Herkimer County, NY (WIBX) - Grant funding has been awarded to a Herkimer County organization to help people get healthier.

The New State Department of Health has awarded Herkimer County HealthNet, Inc. a five-year grant to develop programs to help prevent obesity, type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases in the county.

There was an initial six-month starter grant of  $87,500 given to the organization, and over the next five years, HCHN will receive $175, 000 a year in funding.

The money helps improve nutrition and physical activity where county residents live by improving trails, rehabilitating parks and playgrounds and help promote farmers' markets. It will also help in assisting childcare providers get healthier food options.

According the HCHN, obesity and diabetes are the two most critical public health threats to New Yorkers.