Health department gets grant

Marion County Health Department will receive a $14,180 grant to help pay for a coordinator focused on reducing risk of chronic disease.

Health nurse Krista Schneider said the state grant would focus on reducing tobacco use and increasing physical activity and nutrition.

Chronic diseases account for 90% of health care costs each year, she said, and the most cost-effective interventions are frequently overlooked.The grant was among 17 grants awarded statewide this year.