Gita Rampersad, JD, MHA2012 USPHS Conference

University of MarylandCollege Park

AGENDABackgroundFOCUS: Obesity PreventionGetting Started: Community Health AssessmentsCommunities Putting Prevention to Work

The Blue Island Model Community ProgramCommunity Health Coalitions

FormationBrandingGovernanceEvaluationChallenges

Lessons Learned/Next Steps

Blue Island: Regional Location

BLUE ISLAND: HISTORY

BLUE ISLAND: HISTORY

BLUE ISLAND: DEMOGRAPHICS

OBESITY RATES

One in every three adults is obese. Approximately one in six children and adolescents are obese.

OBESITY, cont.

In Cook County, IL, approximately 63% of adults and about 40% of children are overweight or obese

Poor nutrition and physical inactivity are established risk factors for obesity

In Cook County, three in four adults do not eat the recommended amount of fresh fruits and vegetables, and most adults are not physically active

OBESITY, cont.

CDC: The New (AB)NORMAL

GETTING STARTED:Community Health Assessments

One shared goal: Improved community health through redevelopment

“Development Community”4 steps to assess community health statusPrecursor to community health coalition

The ATSDR’s Action Model was used in the Blue Island Community Health Monitoring program as a tool for the community to identify public health and quality of life issues (such as the environment, safety, public & mental health, education, etc.) that most concern them. ATSDR worked with the City to develop corresponding indicators to measure and track improvements in the community as redevelopment efforts continue in Blue Island.

GETTING STARTED, cont.

GETTING STARTED, cont.

Public Health ThemesEnvironmental HealthPhysical HealthMental HealthSafety

Obesity was identified as a community concern for both children and adults using the ATSDR

Action Model.

COMMUNITIES PUTTING PREVENTION TO WORK

The Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW) is a federal initiative designed to make healthy choices easier by promoting environmental changes at the local level. Through CPPW funding, Blue Island is working to prevent obesity, one of two leading preventable causes of death and disability.

Source: http://www.cdc.gov/communitiesputtingpreventiontowork

CPPW, cont: Policy, Systems and Environmental Change Strategies

American society has become characterized by environments that promote increased food intake, unhealthy foods, and physical inactivity.--CDC

PSE change strategies are evidence based community level prevention strategies to improve health outcomes.

CPPW, cont.: The Blue Island Model Community Program

Poor communities have fewer supermarkets, more fast food restaurants and convenience

stores. They have limited green spaces, nearby trails, recreation centers, or safe

places to walk or play.

Community changes will help build a healthier Blue Island and create a more satisfying

place to live, work, play and pray.

CPPW, cont. The Blue Island Model Community Program PSE StrategiesPartnerships

Community Health CoalitionNon Motorized Transportation

Complete Streets PolicyImproved Nutrition

Community GardensFood System ProfileBreastfeeding Support

COMMUNITY HEALTH COALITION

A community health coalition is a multi sector group that

operates to improve the health of communities, by promoting

health, preventing disease, and educating residents to

adopt healthy lifestyles

COMMUNITY HEALTH COALITION, cont. FORMATION

PartnershipMission, Vision, PurposeOrganizational StructureMembership

Types: Individuals and Organizations, Active and Supporting

VoluntarySizeRequirementsThe mission of the Blue Island Community Health Coalition is to

identify and address public health concerns in order to improve the health status of the Blue Island community.

COMMUNITY HEALTH COALITION, cont. BRANDING

Planning, Coordinating, Advocacy

COMMUNITY HEALTH COALITION, cont. GOVERNANCE

LeadershipBoardOfficersCommittees

MeetingsSponsorsManualBylaws/Charter

The Blue Island Community Health Coalition is led by a team of officers that include a chair, co-chair, secretary and treasurer. In addition, we have formed a governance committee to oversee appointments and amendments to our bylaws.

COMMUNITY HEALTH COALITION, cont. VALUE AND OPPORTUNITIES

The Blue Island Community Health Coalition has achieved many successes since its inception. Specifically, the group is responsible for leading the way towards the

adoption of several municipal ordinances, resolutions, proclamations and policies that address physical activity and nutrition; the introduction of new worksite wellness

policies; the expansion of community gardens and playgrounds, the introduction of two healthy corner stores in food deserts, and the conversion of school vending machines

into those that offer healthy snack foods.

In God We Trust. All others must bring data.--Deming

COMMUNITY HEALTH COALITIONS, cont. CHALLENGES

Financial ResourcesRepresentation-broad basedCultural Competence-Respect,

Understanding, TrustSustainability-Evaluation

LESSONS LEARNEDYou need a community champion The power of a community- level public health

effort is not to be underestimated. Change can happen anywhere as long as there is enthusiasm, participation, collaboration, direction, and the drive to succeed.

It is essential to form a well rounded coalition: one that represents all segments of your community. Choose representatives from where you work, play, eat, learn and pray. Don’t forget our youth!

Advocacy is key to sustainability

Our ChallengeOur goal is to transform Blue Island into a community where making the healthier choice is the easier choice by changing policies, systems and environments (PSE) to promote healthy eating and active living.

Relevant Health Inequities

Obesity PovertyDiabetes

Our ApproachMake healthy foods more available and unhealthy foods less availableCreate safer, more convenient places for walking, biking and the disabledPromote breastfeeding to members of our community

Our StrategiesComprehensive Plan Non-Motorized Transportation PlanComplete Streets PolicySustainable Food SystemsHealthy Food & Beverage OptionsBreastfeeding Friendly EnvironmentsCommunity GardensStrong Local Partnerships

Why Collaborate?To prioritize PSE changes identified in previous planning effortTo build on existing partnerships to have lasting impactTo increase coordination between existing resources

Think Blue Island. Think Outside the Loop

DISCUSSION SESSION

CONTACT

Gita Rampersad, JD, MHAManager, Office of Community HealthCity of Blue Island, ILgrampersad@cityofblueisland.org