The initiatives range from developing walking trails and public parks to family-oriented events. Some projects educate citizens so they have more tools to make healthy changes in their communities. Others directly improve the health of individuals through targeted programs.

Robin Mayo, Community Partnership Director said, “It is a great opportunity for community members to get involved with the health of their community and support their neighbors and friends in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Everyone can help create a community that supports healthy living and in turn promote a healthy economic environment.”

Applications will be accepted through April 15, 2005 with awards being made in three separate funding periods. The deadlines for application submission will be November 15, February 15, and April 15. You are encouraged to submit your applications early.

The mini-grants are available to:

· Almost any type of community group, club or association.
· Local programs that serve people with low incomes.
· Municipalities
· Small businesses or chambers of commerce
· Faith communities

A few examples of what can be done – TELL US YOUR IDEAS!

* Start a walking club or build a bike/hiking trail with a map to give people.
* Hold a community visioning process for a neighborhood, town, or cluster of towns.
* Organize a group of people who want to change their lifestyle.
* Develop walking routes with ½ mile, 1 mile, and etc. markers.
* Youth Advocacy Programs
* Training Scholarships/stipends
* Voter Registration/Education Forums

The Piscataquis Public Health Council is one of 31 local Healthy Maine Partnerships, working on tobacco-prevention and control, physical activity and nutrition using tobacco settlement funds provided through the Fund for a Healthy Maine.