Local schools may get grant to reduce obesity

Local schools and agencies may be in line for $3 million in federal stimulus funding to fight obesity.

The Dothan City and Houston County Schools, in partnership with various local agencies, are in the running to receive funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to start programs aimed at getting students and their families to adopt healthier eating and exercise habits.

According to the Institute for Southern Studies, obesity is a major health concern for southern states. Alabama is the third fattest state in the country, with nearly 30 percent of its adults classified as obese. Obesity has been linked to several health problems, including heart disease and diabetes.

The grant would create several jobs for nutrition specialists and other workers.

Cindy Tanton, a nurse manager at Southeast Alabama Medical Center, said the grant would establish programs to promote healthy eating and exercise in the schools. Counseling would also be made available to students’ families.

Sam Nichols, Dothan City Schools superintendent, said the program would benefit the city schools’ ongoing efforts to help students lead healthier lives.

The grant is part of a larger $8 million grant being made to Houston County, Talladega County and the Alabama Health Department.

The grant is expected to be approved in January and funding for the programs could begin as early as February.

Participating agencies include the Dothan City and Houston County Schools, Southeast Alabama Medical Center, the Wiregrass Boys and Girls Club, Girls Inc. and the Dubose Institute.