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Levels of Funding
Grant options -- 2008
Here is what we have learned from the research and from our own data:
One shot deals do not change behavior. Health fairs raise awareness; keynote speakers rev up motivation; chair massages feel great in the moment and getting together for an afternoon of scrapbooking is great for morale. BUT, only ongoing, researched based programs have proven to help people make the healthy choices that bring about healthier, happier lives.
This year VEHI is offering $500 grants to help fund evidence based programs - those programs that have been shown through research to bring about behavior change and therefore health risk reduction. Your school may also apply for additional funding as long as you have matching funds from your school, SU or your community.
What you need to do first:
Talk to your staff and find out what they want!
Use an e-mail or paper survey of your own, or use ours.
Ask yourself and your faculty and staff…
- What are our demographics?
- What are some of the changes in behavior that folks would like help in making?
- What are faculty and staff interested in doing?
- What are the physical barriers in our building and environment?
- What do our faculty and staff already know about exercise, stress, eating well, conflict management?
- What are the stressors faculty and staff face in the work environment?
What VEHI will fund this school year:
1. We will fund specific equipment when included in a sound, well-planned and ongoing program (e.g. an individual assigned to oversee the program; someone who will take responsibility for equipment maintenance).
Equipment we will fund includes:
- Tubbs snowshoes
- Nordic Walking poles
- Concept 2 indoor rower
(We have found these to be quality equipment, capable of holding up under the stress of many users over time)
- Quality treadmill
- Quality elliptical machine
2. We will subsidize funding ten week exercise classes; however, participants of classes must demonstrate financial stake in the program by paying upfront for the program (For example: $40 paid upfront, at $4 per class, and subsidized with $500 VEHI grant to bring yoga/exercise trainer/aerobic teacher to the school).
3. We will subsidize a Weight Watchers group in your school with an upfront contribution from participants to assure their continued attendance.
4. We will subsidize Think Light -a Weight Management/Healthy Eating Program, available in CD format to be used in group setting.
5. All school employees are now eligible for a wellness account on tomypath.com and can sign up for the seven week on-line mentor program. Formalize this healthy choice for your staff by holding monthly mentor meetings and supplying healthy food and ending incentive prizes of your choosing.
6. Bring in an EAP (employee assistance program) personnel for an interactive workshop series to address various stress-reduction topics.
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