In September, BACH received the good news from the Centers for Disease Control and Management (CDC) that the Boston Public Health Commission, in partnership with BACH, will provide $1.8 million a year for three years to Boston for prevention of chronic diseases by changing policies, systems and environments by addressing

• tobacco use/exposure to second hand smoke by greatly increasing the number of multifamily housing developments that adopt and implement a smoke-free policy
• physical activity by increasing active transit (walking and biking opportunities) and
• nutrition and access to healthy food and beverages

In addition to many of the BACH affiliated coalitions, a broad range of partners will be working on this project ranging from the Liveable Streets Alliance, to the Boston Public Schools, to WalkBoston, to the Black Ministerial Alliance. The resources will also help BACH and its coalitions build a stronger network of resident ambassadors who will be able to advocate for change on the neighborhood level.

North Dorchester and Mattapan were also selected as target neighborhoods for this project. Community coalitions, organizations and other partners will receive additional funding toward the physical activity and nutrition PSE’s.

We are proud of the working relationship between BPHC and BACH who worked together to complete the Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships process the results of which will be part of Boston’s Community Health Improvement Plan and positioned well to implement the PICH grant.