Steps to a HealthierUS Cooperative Agreement Program

The Steps to a HealthierUS Cooperative Agreement Program (Steps Program) is a national, multi-level program that is changing the face of chronic disease prevention in communities across the United States an improving people's lives.  Coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Steps Program funds communities to implement chronic disease prevention and health promotion programs that target three major chronic diseases—diabetes, obesity, and asthma and their underlying risk factors of physical inactivity, poor nutrition, and tobacco use.

Since its inception in FY 2003, the Steps Program has awarded more than $100 million to 40 communities (cities, states, and tribal entities) to implement evidence-based activities.  In addition, Steps funds the YMCA of the USA as a national partner to expand the reach of community-based programs.  The Steps Program is about improving lives—helping Americans reduce their risk of chronic diseases and live longer, better, and healthier.  (Learn more about the Steps to a HealthierUS Cooperative Agreement Program by visiting www.cdc.gov/steps.)