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Purpose and Description

The Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant (PHHSBG), administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention since 1981, allows Pennsylvania the flexibility to determine key health problems in the state and devise outcome-oriented, population-based programs to address those problems.  

The major focus of Pennsylvania's use for these funds continues to be directed towards addressing chronic diseases and injury prevention in the state. The funded programs and personnel include: Cancer Prevention, Diabetes, Heart Disease and Stroke, Injury Prevention (includes Sexual Assault / Rape Prevention), Oral Health, Nutrition and Physical Activity, Osteoporosis and Tuberculosis (TB). The programs funded in PA's PHHSBG application focus on a community-based approach to address health risk reduction strategies to prevent disease and injury to impact the health of the community via the essential services. 

What These Funds do for Pennsylvania

The PHHSBG currently funds projects that address a variety of priority health issues, including: 

  • Prevention of cardiovascular disease;
  • Promotion of healthy eating and regular physical activity;
  • Needs assessment, data collection and analysis;
  • Health disparities;
  • Prevention of unintentional injury;
  • Community organization;
  • TB Laboratory testing; and
  • Services for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. 

The PHHSBG funds are an investment in prevention, which will pay off in decreased costs in the future. The PHHSBG aims to achieve the objectives set out in Healthy People 2010: National Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Objectives. Selection of priority topics was based upon morbidity, mortality, years-of-productive-life, behavioral risk data and consideration of other available resources. Interventions emphasize primary prevention, eliminating health disparities and strengthening public health infrastructure.

Block Grant Advisory Council Meetings

Block Grant Public Hearings

For more information, contact:

Christopher Noble / Administrative Officer 3
Pennsylvania Department of Health
Bureau of Health Promotion & Risk Reduction
625 Forster Street, Room 1000 H&W Bldg.
Harrisburg, PA 17120-0701
Phone: 717-547-3204

Centers For Disease Control And Prevention, National Center For Chronic Disease Prevention And Health Promotion, Preventive Health And Health Services Block Grant
CDC Block Grant Website

Note, as per federal legislation established by the Public Health Services Act, Section 1905(d), the Advisory Committee makes recommendations regarding the development and implementation of the State Plan/Application. The Advisory Committee meets a minimum of twice per year and provides recommendations concerning PHHSBG Block Grant funding to the Secretary of Health (State Health Officer).