ST. LOUIS, July 27 --- HopeBUILD and the St. Louis County Department of Health are the recipients of a one-year Community Action Grant from the American Heart Association in the St. Louis metropolitan area.  The Community Action Grant initiative of the American Heart Association, Midwest Affiliate is designed to encourage the development and implementation of community-based efforts that align with the association's strategic priorities and 2010 Impact Goal to reduce coronary heart disease, stroke and risk by 25 percent. These groups were two of 28 grant recipients across an 11-state region served by the Midwest Affiliate.

            HopeBUILD received $4,000 in funding for their Gardens of Hope program.  HopeBUILD is a nonprofit organization promoting healthy food choices and cultural traditions throughout underserved area of St. Louis.  The organization achieves this mission through community gardens and garden based nutrition curriculum with the community members participation in the gardens and nutrition series, creating opportunities for neighborhood pride and positive lifestyle changes.

St. Louis County Department of Health received $5000 in funding to implement the Hip Hop for Health program in partnership with the Normandy School District. Hip Hop for Health will promote physical activity and healthy eating habits for the children of Pine Lawn Elementary School.  The program will consist of 12 sessions of nutrition education developed collaboratively with Normandy School District's PE/health Staff and 12 sessions of hip hop dance instruction provided by professional dancers from the Best Talent Center.

            According to Willie Lawrence, MD, president of the Midwest Affiliate board of directors, "Our Community Action Grant program enables the American Heart Association to expand our reach throughout our 11-state affiliate, particularly into at-risk and underserved populations. We're excited to see our organization's priorities addressed through these innovative programs that will have a direct impact in the community."

            For more information about the American Heart Association in your community, contact Sara Masterson at 314-692-5674.

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About the American Heart Association

Founded in 1924, we're the nation's oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of heart disease and stroke.  To help prevent, treat and defeat these diseases - America's No. 1 and No. 3 killers - we fund cutting-edge research, conduct lifesaving public and professional educational programs, and advocate to protect public health.  To learn more or join us in helping all Americans, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit americanheart.org.