FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 8, 2000

For further information, contact:
Susan G. Zepeda
Chief Executive Officer
Phone: 714-245-1650
Fax: 714-245-1653

GRANT FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR DIABETES INITIATIVES
Health Funders launch "A Systems Approach to Diabetes"

Santa Ana, CA - The Health Funders Partnership of Orange County (The Partnership)will hold an "Interested Parties Conference" on August 9, 2000 at 9:00 a.m. for organizations interested in responding to A Systems Approach to Diabetes Request for Proposal released in July. The Partnership is seeking project proposals from community organizations interested in improving the outcome and quality of life for individuals and families at risk of, or currently diagnosed with diabetes.

More than $2 million in grants will be provided by The Partnership to fund projects that address community-based approaches focusing on prevention, early detection and/or management of diabetic populations. Up to five three-year grants will be offered to support formal collaborations of medical providers, community-based organizations, and others. Funds may also be used for programs that help shape public policy or that increase community awareness and promote healthy lifestyle choices for persons with diabetes and those at risk.

The conference will be held in the Multipurpose Room of the Sisters of St Joseph Healthcare Foundation, located at 480 S. Batavia Street, Orange, California. Staff will present background on the project and will be available to answer questions from anyone interested in submitting a proposal.

The Health Funders Partnership of Orange County, formed in 1999, consists of grant-making non-profit entities who have joined together in their commitment to improve access to needed health services in Orange County. A Systems Approach to Diabetes is a multi-year initiative of The Partnership intended to improve the effectiveness of local efforts to prevent, treat and live with the disease of diabetes.

Members of The Partnership include The HealthCare Foundation for Orange County, Irvine Health Foundation, Orange County Community Foundation, Orange County's United Way, PacifiCare Foundation, Pacifica Life Foundation, St. Joseph Health System Foundation, Sisters of St. Joseph Healthcare Foundation and the UniHealth Foundation. The Initiative is also funded in part by The California Endowment and The California Wellness Foundation and received support from The California HealthCare Foundation, CalOPTIMA, County of Orange Health Care Agency, and the Orange County Health Needs Assessment Steering Committee.

RSVP for the August 9 meeting at (714) 245-1658.Please leave your name, organization, and phone number. Concept proposals will be accepted August 1 through September 15 and should be mailed too: Susan Zepeda, The Health Funders Partnership of Orange County, 1450 North Tustin Avenue, Suite 103, Santa Ana, CA 92705-8614.