Illinois state physical activity and nutrition (ISPAN) program - the illinois state physical activity and nutrition (ISPAN) program will leverage the systems supports, infrastructure and capacity…

Illinois state physical activity and nutrition (ISPAN) program - the illinois state physical activity and nutrition (ISPAN) program will leverage the systems supports, infrastructure and capacity established through the first round of ISPAN funding, and a deep network of partners engaged through the illinois alliance to promote opportunities for health (IAPOH), a statewide multisector chronic disease prevention coalition, to drive state-level policy/systems change and support regional implementation of activities to improve dietary and physical activity behaviors and reduce disparities in chronic health conditions, especially among priority populations. Led by the illinois public health institute (IPHI), in collaboration with the illinois department of public health (IDPH) and other state agencies, and the expansive IAPOH partner network, the ISPAN initiative will work to align initiatives and ensure the equitable implementation of span strategies statewide while also providing funding and technical assistance to at least two priority geographic regions to advance community-tailored, culturally-responsive implementation of nutrition and physical activity interventions in communities. IAPOH will leverage the span initiative to employ a collective impact model grounded in health equity approaches to center community voice and enhance decision-making power by community-based organizations (CBOS) and coalitions in driving span implementation. Priority regions will use health equity assessment findings to implement strategy approaches tailored to the unique needs, assets, and circumstances of the communities they serve. This enhanced statewide infrastructure and tailored regional approaches will result in increased access to nourishing foods through the implementation of food service guidelines, fruit/veggie voucher and RX programs, increased chest/breastfeeding continuity of care, improved policies, plans and community design changes that increase physical activity (PA), and improved practices by childcare providers that support nutrition, PA and farm to ECE. These activities will lead to the long-term project outcomes of improved health behaviors and outcomes, and reduced health disparities in chronic conditions. IPHI, a non-profit 501(C)3, addresses critical public health issues and advances innovation through dozens of collaborations and partnerships. With a $10 million plus budget, IPHI has the organizational, administrative, and programmatic capabilities to complete the nofo activities, including leading large, complex systems change and capacity-building projects, engaging partners in collaboration, contracting, and monitoring deliverables and compliance. IPHI currently manages two (CDC) federal cooperative agreements.