The Missouri Foundation for Health has awarded grants totaling more than $3 million to eight St. Louis-area organizations, the St. Louis Business Journal reports.

One of the largest grants, $715,386, went to the local chapter of the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Association for a three-year project to support the hiring of two patient-service coordinators, making it possible to serve more people in rural areas. The grant will also support the purchase of new equipment, respite care for caregivers, and nutritional supplements.

Other grants were awarded to the Monsanto Family YMCA ($764,313), to promote healthy habits and cardiovascular health in African Americans; St. John's Mercy Hospital ($429,656), to implement a community-based diabetes program for poor and underserved patients; Family Support Services ($403,092), to improve the health of children with developmental disabilities; St. Louis ARC ($329,456), to educate teens and young adults about the dangers of alcohol use during pregnancy; the Delta Center for Independent Living ($248,372), to provide transportation to low-income persons with disabilities; and ShowMe Aquatics & Fitness ($214,001), to allow more low-income, disabled individuals to participate in the center's therapeutic services.