The Health Smart Program is a partnership between the Anne Arundel County Department of Health and local churches or community organizations.
The purpose of the Health Smart Program is to provide free health information to church and community organization members to help reduce their risk of chronic disease. Information includes heart disease prevention, cancer prevention and screening, tobacco use prevention and tobacco cessation. Additional information regarding immunizations (flu clinics) or other topics of interest may be included.
Facts about County residents:
- Cancer is the leading cause of death among Anne Arundel County residents.
- Lung cancer is the primary type of cancer death among Anne Arundel County residents. Smoking is the leading risk factor for lung cancer.
- Heart disease is the second leading cause of death among Anne Arundel County residents.
- Smoking and high blood pressure are risk factors for heart disease.
Adopting healthy behaviors, such as eating fruits and vegetables, being physically active, avoiding tobacco use and having regular cancer screenings, may prevent or control the devastating effects of chronic disease and cancer. Churches and organizations are encouraged to provide health-related messages to their members, and they can receive educational materials at least three times annually from the Department of Health. Materials will include colorful posters, brochures or fliers, and short articles for church newsletters. The Department will also provide information about free or reduced cost health services for eligible residents.
How to join the Health Smart Program
- Talk to your pastor or organizer to obtain support for this program.
- Assemble a team to assist with providing health messages. Many churches draw from members of the Health Ministry.
- Call the Anne Arundel County Department of Health at 410-222-7979 to sign up to receive free materials.
Click here for more information on healthy living and chronic disease prevention.