Gov. Brad Little at his press conference yesterday reminded us all that most of this battle against the spread of COVID-19 is about personal responsibility. We are asking Idahoans to wear a mask. Keep six feet of distance between yourself and others in public places. Wash your hands often. Cover coughs and sneezes. And, stay home if you are sick.

As we watch cases increase in Idaho, and we see the cases increase significantly in those ages 18-29, we have to ask ourselves: Are we doing all we can do to protect our families and communities? We all have to do our part.

Celebrating Halloween safely

As the weather turns colder, many of us may retreat indoors, hoping for safety among family and friends. Unfortunately, that is where we often see cases spreading – through smaller, more intimate gatherings.

And now we are approaching the holidays, a time where we cherish those moments with friends and family. And right around the corner is Halloween. Some Halloween traditions may look different this year to keep everyone safe during the pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is suggesting many ways you can both enjoy the holiday while keeping your family safe.. The CDC outlines plenty of ways families can have fun while avoiding being exposed to or spreading the virus.

Get Healthy Idaho: Building Healthy & Resilient Communities

Research shows that up to 80 percent of what makes us healthy is determined by factors outside of clinic walls, such as access to affordable housing, safe neighborhoods, nutritious foods, livable incomes, and quality educational opportunities. The department wants to support Idaho communities to make sure they have the funding needed to create healthier residents.

On Tuesday, Oct. 13, the department released the Get Healthy Idaho: Building Healthy & Resilient Communities funding opportunity for Idaho organizations. In this first year of the initiative, more than $150,000 is available to support a community collaborative that will drive change and improve the health of Idahoans.

The application period is open until 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13. The awarded community will be announced on Dec. 14, 2020.

The awarded community will receive support to engage in a community-led process to organize a collaborative partnership, conduct a community needs assessment, identify needs and opportunities, and implement an innovative and data-driven action plan that addresses the barriers to good health and well-being in the community.

This multi-year funding opportunity is available to public and private organizations, municipalities, non-profit and community-based organizations in Idaho. Applicants that can submit include existing or new collaboratives, a single organization acting on behalf of a collaborative, or a single entity interested in developing a collaborative.

To learn more about the initiative and download the application package, visit: www.GetHealthy.dhw.idaho.gov.

Questions about Get Healthy Idaho and this funding opportunity can be directed to: GetHealthyIdaho@dhw.idaho.gov.

Have a safe and healthy weekend. #MaskUpIdaho #YourIdahoMyIdaho #ONEIdaho #StaySafeStayHealthy