The Roanoke Valley Community Healthy Living Index:

West End Target AreaRoanoke, VA

Roanoke College• Salem, Virginia• Independent, liberal arts college• 2,100 undergraduates• Focus on high quality experiential learning opportunities

– Summer Scholar - Independent Study– URAP - Intensive Learning Term– Work-Study Research - Capstone Experiences

Sparking Undergraduate Interest:The Community-Based Participatory Research Model

Substantial variations in the presence of adverse health conditions exist

relative to the sociocultural, environmental, and economic status

of a community1-2.

1. Davison & Lawson (2006). Do attributes in the physical environment influence children's physical activity? International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 3, 19.2. Humpel, Owen, & Leslie (2002). Environmental factors associated with adults’ participation in physical activity. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 22(3), 188-199.

Childhood Obesity

Environmental

Barriers

Sociocultural

Factors

Neighborhood Safety

Perceived

Barriers

Undergraduate Learning Goals1. Systematic analysis of correlates to health– Community Healthy Living Index and Fitnessgram

• Built environment, safety, perceived accessibility, fitness outcomes

2. Data mining and analysis procedures

3. Capstone experiences – Final reports and peer-reviewed publications– Local, regional, national presentations– “Lasting impressions”

Objectives of the Roanoke Valley Community Healthy Living Index

1. Evaluate barriers to healthy living across diverse neighborhoods within Roanoke, VA – Demographic and economic profile, infrastructure, safety

2. Evaluate relationships between prevalent adverse health conditions and the availability of resources promoting medical access*, physical activity participation, and healthy eating behaviors.

PATH Coalition Target Area

West End Rejuvenation Corridor

CHLI Phase 1

West End Neighborhood• Census Tract 10, population 2,200• Residential center of railroad corridor; primarily renter

occupied• Median income: $21,231• 54% below poverty level; 47.2% receive food stamps

Phase 1 Goals1. Provide neighborhood-level summary of environmental

factors supporting / detracting from participation in healthy living.

2. Outline recommendations which may lead to improved accessibility in the target area.

3. Consider the role of preexisting neighborhood objectives.1. Hurt Park / West End / Mountain View Neighborhood Plan2. City-Wide Brownfield Redevelopment Plan3. West End Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area Plan

Neighborhood Audit Strategy

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Industrial

CHLI Phase 1 Outcomes

Barriers to Healthy Living: Safety

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Sex offender

Breaking and entering

Theft

Assault with deadly weapon

CHLI Phase 1 Outcomes

• Improve neighborhood safety by increasing patrol services in this area.

• City goals: Continue Drug Market Initiative and neighborhood watch programs; increase police presence via regular bike patrol

Barriers to Healthy Living:Physical Activity Accessibility

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27 28 2930 31 Industrial/ Brownfield13 14

15 16 17

21 19 1820

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Industrial

Barriers to Healthy Living: Physical Activity Accessibility

CHLI Phase 1 Outcomes• Improve ADA compliance including rejuvenation of “star

brick” areas.

• Develop bike routes to promote active transportation to downtown Roanoke and Grandin Village; enhance bicycle access to recreational facilities.

• Construct new sidewalks to enhance connectivity for pedestrians and users of public transportation.

• City goals: Streetscape improvements (i.e., tree canopy); beautification of transition areas; curb and gutter improvements

Barriers to Healthy Living: Healthy Food Accessibility

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27 2829 30 31 Industrial/ Brownfield

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15 16 17

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19 1820

Industrial

CHLI Phase 1 Outcomes• Continue to incentivize business owners.• Consider brownfield areas as potential sites for established,

affordable grocers.

• City goals: Not explicitly outlined

Phase 1 Data-Driven Stakeholder Initiatives

• Crosswalk development– City Traffic Engineer, Office of Neighborhood Services, West End

Neighborhood Resident Committee (SWETA)

• Sidewalk quality initiative– City Department of Planning, Building, Development

• Safe Routes to School– City Department of Planning, Building, Development

Hurt Park Elementary “Catch” Area

Phase 2

CHLI Phase 2 Target Area

1. Evaluate barriers to healthy living in the Hurt Park neighborhood and school “catch” area.– Built environment, safety, sociocultural factors, perceived

barriers

2. Identify problem neighborhoods, correlates to poor health-related fitness, relationships betweenreal and perceived barriers to healthy living.

CHLI Phase 2 Goals

CHLI Phase 2 Outcomes• Presentation of neighborhood-level data

– Findings omitted from handouts to preserve participant confidentiality

• Summary of findings from Phase 2

Community-Based Participatory Research: The Role of the Academic Partner

®

Acknowledgements

Ms. Leah Hall (2013),B.S. Exercise Science

Ms. Lauren Roth (2016),B.B.A. Business Administration

PATH Community Coalition

Information:

Dr. Elizabeth HolbrookRoanoke College

Health & Human Performanceholbrook@roanoke.edu