#United States #St. Petersburg #Health Equity #Orlando Health

Collaborative Grant Initiative Launched

In an exciting move for community health, the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg and Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital recently announced a groundbreaking grant program aimed at addressing health disparities in south St. Petersburg. With a total funding pool of $1 million, the initiative, named Healthy People 2025, will provide up to four grants of $250,000 each to support multi-sector collaborations targeted at promoting systems-level changes in social determinants of health.

The Need for Action

Despite progress made in recent years, the South St. Petersburg community continues to face significant healthcare inequalities. A recent analysis, the South St. Pete Health Equity Profile, has highlighted concerning disparities in chronic illnesses, neighborhood safety, and maternal-infant health when compared to Pinellas County overall. This grant opportunity aims to tackle these inequalities head-on.

Dr. Kanika Tomalin, President and CEO of the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg, expressed enthusiasm for this collaborative effort: "To most effectively improve the lives and health of people in our community, we must collaborate across sectors including not-for-profits, government bodies, local businesses, and community organizations."
She emphasized the importance of working together to address root causes instead of merely treating symptoms, noting that healthier communities ultimately thrive.

Grant Application Process

Organizations interested in applying must submit letters of interest detailing their proposals and confirming partnerships by May 27, 2025. Selected collaborations will receive invitations to submit full grant applications during the week of June 23, 2025, with final award notifications expected by October 6, 2025.

Understanding Key Concepts

Social Determinants of Health

The term social determinants of health encompasses various factors beyond mere access to healthcare. Elements such as living conditions, job quality, educational opportunities, and social networks significantly shape health outcomes. Research indicates that these determinants can account for up to 80% of overall health outcomes.

Systems Change

Systems change is defined as altering the conditions that contribute to persistent issues in communities. It involves recognizing and addressing fundamental causes of problems through strategic interventions. The grant is specifically designed to empower organizations to identify such needs and implement practical solutions.

Multi-Sector Collaborations

At least two different sectors must be represented in each proposed collaboration, which may include government, non-profits, businesses, and community groups. This multi-sector approach is known to foster resilience and create meaningful change, as tackling complex social issues requires input and cooperation from various stakeholders.

About the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg

Founded in 2013 post the sale of Bayfront Health St. Petersburg, the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg is committed to promoting health equity in Pinellas County. With a focus on improving conditions that determine health outcomes, the Foundation works alongside local partners to help ensure every community member can lead a healthy life. Its Center for Health Equity, established in 2019, serves as a hub for initiatives that advance these goals.

About Orlando Health

Orlando Health is a non-profit integrated healthcare system founded over a century ago, overseeing assets worth $12 billion. It operates numerous facilities, including community hospitals and urgent care services across the southeastern U.S. Their mission centers on improving health and quality of life while delivering nearly $1.7 billion in community impact through various beneficial programs.

More details about the grant application process and eligibility criteria can be found on the Foundation's Healthy People 2025 webpage.