Northern Michigan University is a partner in the largest grant-funded project announced by the Superior Health Foundation at its fall celebration on Thursday. The U.P. Area Health Education Center (UPAHEC), based at NMU, also was among the 26 health-centered organizations across the region selected as grant recipients. 

Nearly $300,000 was awarded to address pediatric obesity through a collaboration involving Michigan State University, NMU, Michigan Tech and Lake Superior State University. In 2007, MSU implemented a project called (S)Partners for Health, which is a web-based nutrition and physical activity program for obesity prevention and health promotion targeting 5th grade public school students and their parents.

The project aims to generate valuable insights on health behaviors and the health status of U.P. children and parents, and ultimately contribute to preventing or improving obesity and other health risks. It also will provide the following: insight on new additions to the (S)Partner program, including the virtual mentor and texting components; and valuable academic service learning experiences for future allied health professionals and physicians, which contributes to reduced delivery costs, sustainability and dissemination throughout the region. 

UPAHEC received $4,400 from the Superior Health Foundation. It seeks to recruit and retain healthcare professionals in the Upper Peninsula, develop and deliver programming to disadvantaged K-12 students from rural areas, and engage U.P. communities in health care issues. The grant will support the purchase of educational materials.