The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is awarding nearly $9 million in grant money to help people in the Denver metro area fight cancer and obesity.
Denver Public Health will use the cash to fund four programs in collaboration with groups around the region.
One project aims to increase HPV vaccination rates. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection and is associated with several types of cancer. Another seeks to limit the consumption of sugary beverages, which can contribute to obesity.
“Not having chronic diseases and those kinds of things and being active until the day you pass on is really powerfully important," said Dr. Judith Shlay, associate director of Denver Public Health. "We could save lives. I know we will."
A pair of other programs will target tobacco cessation and preventing teens from smoking. The grant money will be spent over three years.
