Oklahoma Among Nine States Selected for ‘SPINE’ Program Grant

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma State Department of Health today announced Oklahoma is one of nine states to receive a $144,000 grant from the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD) as part of its newly established State Partnerships Improving Nutrition Equity (SPINE) program.

The SPINE program, which was launched on Jan. 1, 2022, aims to address food and nutrition security through sustainable and equitable actions that tackle economic and social conditions limiting food and nutrition security across the life span, particularly in communities with populations at high risk (Black, Latinx, American Indian/Native American, young children, aging adults and people with disabilities).

“Increased food and nutrition insecurity surfaced in Oklahoma due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re very fortunate and grateful for the extra support this program will provide underserved Oklahomans,” Interim Commissioner of Health Keith Reed said. “Inequities created by social determinants of health and root causes must be addressed to effectively shape and sustain healthy communities. This program will provide more Oklahomans with access to healthy and culturally relevant foods that meet their dietary needs and food preferences.”

The nine states selected to receive support are Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Oklahoma and Oregon.

States will receive augmented support, including tailored and extensive training and technical assistance, to increase food and nutrition security, reach populations at high risk and address health equity.

For more information about the SPINE program, visit chronicdisease.org/spine-program.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) protects and improves public health through its system of local health services and strategies focused on preventing disease. OSDH provides technical support and guidance to 68 county health departments in Oklahoma, as well as guidance and consultation to the two independent city-county health departments in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Learn more at Oklahoma.gov/health.