TOBACCO CONTROL REPORT CARD Florida received low grades across several categories on the American Lung Association’s 2023 State of Tobacco Control report card. A failing grade was given on tobacco prevention and cessation funding, taxes on tobacco, and flavored tobacco products. Florida received a “D” on access to cessation services, but earned a high “B” in the smoke-free air in most establishments category.
NURSING EDUCATION Twenty-seven high-performing nursing education programs throughout Florida have been awarded $79 million for nursing education and health care partnerships. This funding comes from the Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) and Prepping Institutions, Programs, Employers, and Learners through Incentives for Nursing Education (PIPELINE) programs, which are designed to mitigate Florida’s nursing shortage.
RURAL COMMUNITY GRANTS The Rural Infrastructure Fund program, which is administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, awarded $7.1 million in grants to nine communities. The program provides funding to facilitate the planning, preparation and financing of infrastructure projects in rural communities. More information about the program may be found here.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT More than $35 million was awarded to 48 communities through the Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant. Allocated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the program provides funding for housing and community development activities. More information may be found here.