Lower east central Missouri organizations interested in improving health care in their communities are invited to upcoming meetings hosted by the Missouri Foundation for Health (MFH).  The meetings are an excellent opportunity for attendees to hear about MFH funding available in 2010, and learn more about the foundation, which awards a total of $50 million in grants each year to nonprofits working toward better health for Missourians.

The meetings are scheduled for:

    FREDERICKTOWN:        Tuesday, December 1, 2009, 9:30 am to 11:30 am, Black River Electric Co., County Road 517 just north of U.S. 67/72 intersection.

    CAPE GIRARDEAU:        Tuesday, December 1, 2009, 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm, United Way of Southeast Missouri, 430A Broadway.

The meetings are free and designed for nonprofits focusing on community action and health care.  Community service clubs, other human service providers and community leaders also are welcome to attend.

Currently, MFH funds grants that provide operational support and address specific health issues including tobacco use, obesity, asthma, mental health, substance abuse, health literacy and women's health.

RSVPs are encouraged for these meetings.  Contact Matt Kuhlenbeck at 800.655.5560, or mkuhlenbeck@mffh.org.  For more information about MFH and other regional presentations around the state, visit www.mffh.org.

Established in 2000, MFH is the largest nongovernmental funder of community health activities in Missouri. MFH is in its seventh year of grant making, having issued more than

$355 million in grants and awards to date. It is dedicated to serving the uninsured, underinsured and underserved in 84 Missouri counties and the City of St. Louis.