The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said Wednesday it's investing $750 million in prevention and public health in 2011.

The sum is a part of the Prevention and Public Health Fund, formed as a result of the Affordable Care Act. The $750 million will focus on issues of tobacco use prevention, obesity, heart disease, stroke and cancer. The money will also be used to increase immunizations and empower local communities to develop local health initiatives, according to the HHS.

"Prevention is something that can't just happen in a doctor's office. If we are to address the big health issues of our time, from physical inactivity to poor nutrition to tobacco use, it needs to happen in local communities," Kathleen Sebelius, HHS secretary, said in prepared remarks.

In 2010, HHS dedicated $500 million to states and communities across the country for prevention and public health efforts. This year, the funds will be distributed among four priorities: $298 million for community prevention; $182 million for clinical prevention; $137 million for public health infrastructure; and $133 million on research and tracking.

"This investment is going to build on the prevention work already underway to help make sure that we are working effectively across the federal government as well as with private groups and state and local governments to help Americans live longer, healthier lives," Sebelius said.

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