1. Health and Recreation for Rural West Virginia Residents

2. Kelly Quinn Extension Agent WVU Extension Service Lisa Seagrave Community Coordinator Health Raisers Presented by:

3. Tyler County, West Virginia Population 9,700 234 Farms Largest town 1,200 2 elementary schools 1 middle/high school On the Ohio River between Wheeling & Parkersburg

4. Tyler County, West Virginia Issues Impacting Health & Wellness Obesity Diabetes Cardiovascular-related illness Few recreational resources, facilities and programs Economically distressed

5. Health Raisers The “Health Raisers” is a non-profit organization which was formed by community members to promote health and physical activity programs in the county. The Health Raisers strive to encourage Community members to be more physically active and eat healthier.

6. Preliminary Research Research began in 2003 Focus groups of various ages participated –Including high school students, working adults and senior citizens Verbal street surveys conducted

7. Educational Programs Introduced Diabetic Education Pro and Cons of Low Carb Diets Curves and Weight Watchers Diabetes Health Few recreational programs Recreation Research study

8. Recreation Research Study Separate surveys for adults and youth To answer the questions: 1.How often do you currently exercise? 2.What additional physical activities would you participate in, if offered locally? 3.Do you think exercise is important for good health? 4.How do you rate exercise, as a priority in your daily schedule?

9. Methods Questionnaires were distributed throughout the community at community meetings, local businesses, community dinners, and community events such as Ol’ Fashioned Christmas and the County Fair. Also, the questionnaire appeared in the local newspaper, and FRN Community Resources collected questionnaires from residents who received its services.

12. Results

16. Outcomes - adult Program/Activity Number attended Yoga Class 35 Exercise Ball Class 10 Walking Club 63 Line dancing 34 Farmers’ Market 50 Dance 8

17. Outcomes - youth Program/Activity Number attended Activity Day16 Roller-skating Party102 After school Fitness5 Hip Hop Dance Class8 Teen Yoga8 Beach Party Dance100 Halloween Dance30 Middle School Lock-in53

18. Additional outcomes $500 donated to elementary school walking program Milk machine donated Fundraising and donations to community walking trail Dance Dance Revolution video games donated to elementary schools 4H physical activity programs funded

19. The Next Step Sustainability of programming Documentation of impacts of programming

20. Questions?