Program Description

Here’s A Leash on Heart Health rewritten in the same structured format as your Annex Assistance Program example, incorporating everything we’ve discussed:

A Leash on Heart Health Program
Improving Cardiovascular, Mental, and Community Wellness Through the Human–Animal Bond

1. Program Overview

The A Leash on Heart Health program is a wellness initiative launching in October 2025 to address the interconnected issues of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and mental health, while promoting the benefits of companionship with Furry Family Members (FAMs). Residents of Jefferson County, Alabama—especially underserved communities—will participate in activities that enhance heart health, reduce stress, and encourage use of FAM-friendly public spaces.

The program is delivered in collaboration with the American Heart Association, RESCUES ON85TH, and NIH-aligned initiatives. It offers education, incentives, and community engagement, ensuring participants improve their own health while enhancing the well-being of their FAMs.

2. Program Goals

• Improve cardiovascular health and reduce risk factors for heart disease and stroke.

• Promote mental wellness and stress reduction through the human–animal bond.

• Encourage obesity prevention and healthy lifestyles for both humans and FAMs.

• Increase use and awareness of FAM-friendly community spaces.

• Support sustainable, healthy behaviors through education, incentives, and resources.

3. Program Components

3.1 Physical Activity and Heart Health

Objective: Increase daily physical activity to strengthen cardiovascular health.
Services:

• Weekly guided community walks with FAMs.

• Interactive play sessions to promote physical activity for both humans and pets.

• Monthly wellness events with free blood pressure checks, heart health screenings, and pet wellness checks.
  Partnerships: American Heart Association, Jefferson County Parks and Recreation.
  Eligibility: Adults aged 18+ with a FAM in their care.

3.2 Nutrition and Obesity Prevention

Objective: Reduce obesity rates through healthy eating education and resources.
Services:

• Nutrition workshops focused on portion control, balanced diets, and reading nutrition labels.

• Pet nutrition guidance to prevent obesity in FAMs.

• Distribution of healthy food boxes or vouchers for local farmers markets.
  Partnerships: Local farmers markets, community food providers.
  Eligibility: Participation in surveys and video-recorded activity sessions (see Section 4).

3.3 Mental Health and Stress Reduction

Objective: Improve mental wellness through positive interaction with FAMs and community engagement.
Services:

• Stress-reduction workshops including mindfulness, meditation, and yoga with FAMs.

• Peer-led support groups for stress management.

• Resource referrals for mental health services.
  Partnerships: Local mental health organizations, community wellness providers.

3.4 FAM-Friendly Community Engagement

Objective: Expand awareness and accessibility of safe, public spaces for physical activity with FAMs.
Services:

• Mapping and promotion of local parks, trails, and recreation areas.

• Advocacy with local governments for more FAM-friendly amenities.

• Hosting “Heart Health in the Park” community events.
  Partnerships: Jefferson County Parks and Recreation, local municipalities.

4. Eligibility Requirements

• Residency: Must live in Jefferson County, Alabama.

• FAM Ownership: Must have a Furry Family Member in their care.

• Participation: Must complete baseline and follow-up surveys created in collaboration with the American Heart Association and NIH.

• Video Submission: Must submit a 5-minute video of either:

  • Walking with a FAM, or

  • Engaging in healthy playtime with a FAM.

• Commitment: Willingness to engage in at least one additional wellness activity per month.

5. Incentives

• $25 stipend for completing surveys and activity video submission.

• Healthy food box or farmers market voucher.

• Free FAM supplies (e.g., leash, treats, toys) upon verified participation.

6. How to Apply

1. Contact RESCUES ON85TH or a participating partner organization.

2. Complete intake forms and baseline surveys.

3. Receive program orientation and schedule of activities.

4. Begin participating in walks, workshops, and events.

7. Funding and Partnerships

Funding Sources: Federal grants, corporate sponsorships, private donations.
Key Partners:

• American Heart Association (health education and program validation).

• National Institutes of Health (research alignment and evaluation).

• Local farmers markets and food suppliers (nutrition incentives).

• Jefferson County Parks and Recreation (FAM-friendly spaces).

• Veterinary clinics (pet wellness checks).

8. Program Impact

• Serving an Underserved Community: Reaches residents with high cardiovascular risk and limited access to health resources.

• Improving Heart Health: Promotes daily activity and screenings to reduce disease risk.

• Reducing Stress: Leverages the mental health benefits of the human–animal bond.

• Encouraging Healthy Environments: Expands and promotes FAM-friendly locations.

• Measurable Outcomes: Changes in physical activity levels, BMI, blood pressure, mental wellness scores, and pet health.

9. Alabama Health Statistics (CDC & State Reports)

• Heart Disease Mortality: 234.2 deaths per 100,000 (14,958 deaths/year).

• Adult Obesity Rate: 39.2%.

• Stroke Mortality: 64.0 deaths per 100,000.

• Mental Health Needs: ~18% of adults report frequent mental distress.

This version is NIH-style structured, uses your Annex Assistance Program format, and contains all your requirements including surveys, video verification, incentives, and partnerships.

If you want, I can now make this into a professional NIH-ready PDF with headers, graphics, and Alabama statistics charts. That would make it ready for submission or public release.