Mass. Grants $40 Million For Health Initiatives

Gov. Deval Patrick has announced that more than $40 million in grants will be awarded to community-based programs for preventing chronic illnesses by cutting health care costs. Nine community-based partnerships, including the New Bedford Health Department. The initiative is intended to reduce costs tied to diseases such as diabetes, obesity and asthma that can be prevented if people know how to maintain and manage their health. Each of the grantees under the Prevention and Wellness Trust Fund will receive up to $250,000 initially.