WHO:

Center for Aging & Healthcare in WV, Inc. in collaboration with 10 community partners, 7 local funding partners, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Community Partners:

Funding Partners:

  • Camden-Clark Memorial Hospital

  • Good Shepherd Episcopal Church

  • Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department

  • Mountain State Blue Cross/Blue Shield

  • Parkersburg Police Department

  • Adventure Pursuit

  • The ARC of Wood County

  • West Virginia on the Move

  • West Virginia University

  • Wood County Schools

  • Sisters of St. Joseph Charitable Fund

  • Bernard McDonough Foundation

  • Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation

  • Parkersburg Area Community Foundation

  • Branch Banking & Trust Company

  • County Commission of Wood County

  • Rotary Club of Wood County

WHAT:

A project to: 

  • promote awareness among low-income people of the health risks of obesity; 

  • increase physical activity and healthy eating behaviors; and 

  • create a model for empowering neighborhoods to develop partnerships and programs that promote healthier lifestyles.

HOW:

 Neighborhood Walkability Studies –conducted in each neighborhood, beginning October 2005.-

Neighborhood Walk – pedometer walking program will start in each neighborhood by Fall 2005.

Neighborhood School: Fit and Fun – will start in each elementary school during the 2005-2006 academic year to engage students, parents and teachers in a walking and healthy eating program.

Neighborhood Workplace Wellness – health screenings, education, and wellness activities will begin Spring 2006 for a diverse group of neighborhood small employers, such as convenience stores, auto shops, beauty shops, and group homes.

WHERE:

Three neighborhoods have been selected to participate based on HUD thresholds for low to moderate income; presence of a Title I elementary school willing to participate, availability of (or potential for) family-oriented recreational opportunities; presence of at least five small employers; stability of population based on at least 60 percent home ownership; and the existence of organized community groups:

  • Jefferson School Neighborhood

  • Fairplains School Neighborhood

  • Franklin School Neighborhood

WHY:

About 21.2 percent of Wood county residents are obese, and 32 percent are physically inactive. West Virginia ranks first in the nation in the prevalence of obesity and tenth in physical inactivity. Individuals with low incomes are especially vulnerable to the risk factors associated with sedentary lifestyles. Increasing physical activity is best achieved by helping individuals incorporate it more into their everyday lives where they live, work, go to school, and have fun – their neighborhoods.

WHEN:

The project begins July 2005, and will continue for four years.

CONTACT:

Deanna Lewis, Project Coordinator, for more information: 304-422-2853.

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