U.S. health care experts converge in B.R. for Healthier Louisiana challenge

Published Jun 20, 2012 at 10:00 am (Updated Jun 20, 2012)

A panel of leading health care experts from across the country are in Baton Rouge today through Friday to review applications for Challenge for a Healthier Louisiana, a $10 million statewide challenge grant program presented by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation and Pennington Biomedical Research Center. The challenge grant program is aiming to reduce the rising obesity rate across Louisiana by providing financial support to innovative programs promoting healthy eating and active living. The panel is reviewing 49 grant applications, 10 of which came from the Baton Rouge area. Applicants have collectively pledged $78 million in matching funds and requested $32 million in grants. The panel's recommendations will be presented to the Blue Cross Foundation board later this summer, and the grant programs will begin Sept. 1. Pennington Associate Executive Director Dr. Peter Katzmarzyk is leading the panel, while Pennington Assistant Professor Dr. Stephanie Broyles is serving as the vice chair. You can read details on all 49 grant applications at the Challenge for a Healthier Louisiana website here.