ACHIEVE Philosophy
 

• Chronic disease prevention at the state level is, for the most part, extremely under-funded and funds are almost non-existent at the local level. We understand that State Departments of Health have resources to build capacity, set up surveillance, and provide small amounts of funding to local communities. However, State Departments of Health, in addition to other public health agencies, are under pressure to do more at the community level to prevent chronic diseases. This funding will provide you with an opportunity to spread chronic disease prevention and health promotion strategies to additional communities in your state. 
   
• We want to build on the lessons learned related to the Steps Program and the Pioneering Healthier Communities Initiative to spread the model of policy and environmental change strategies to local communities across the country. This initiative recognizes the roles of both institutions as trusted community conveners and brings together the public health expertise from the state and local levels and the deep and rich experience of the YMCA in community support and outreach. 
   
• Participation in the ACHIEVE Initiative is an opportunity to take part in exciting opportunities for policy and environmental change strategies at the local level. The Chronic Disease Director, or his/her designee, will have the opportunity to participate in a Coaches meeting and Action Institute, which will bring together local, state, and national leaders in policy and environmental change for chronic disease prevention and health promotion. State Departments of Health will also have the opportunity to provide ongoing technical assistance as part of this initiative. 
   
• With an increased interest in community funding for chronic disease prevention (on the part of foundations, the Federal Government, and other institutions), State Departments of Health have expressed an interest in these different initiatives in their state and are exploring different roles that they could play. The ACHIEVE Initiative provides the opportunity to State Departments of Health to link with this process, building on existing resources and capability of the states to provide leadership and technical assistance in this area.