The Community Health Innovation Awards provide a unique chance for participants to design, develop, and implement innovative ideas for solving their most challenging community health needs. Teams will work closely with mentors to develop their ideas for presentation to a panel of judges. A total of at least $50,000 has been made available for community projects ranging from $5,000-$25,000 each.
Background
Over the past year One Great Community (OGC), the CCTS community engagement component, has discussed the idea of creating opportunities for community-initiated research and/or service projects. These discussions resulted in a survey of Neighborhood Association leaders to find out what they considered the most pressing community health concerns facing Birmingham residents. The top five concerns were:
- empty lots and abandoned homes
- lack of sidewalks and walking trails
- crime
- high blood pressure
- diabetes
Therefore, Community Health Innovation Award applications must target one or more of these areas in a creative and innovative manner. Applications can be no longer than 2-3 pages, plus a brief budget page. They must include information on community involvement, community strength, how the project is based on reliable information, what makes the project unique, and what will result if the project is successful. See the application form for details on the process. 