1. Gita Rampersad, JD, MHA 2012 USPHS Conference University of Maryland College Park

2. AGENDA Background FOCUS: Obesity Prevention Getting Started: Community Health Assessments Communities Putting Prevention to Work The Blue Island Model Community Program Community Health Coalitions Formation Branding Governance Evaluation Challenges Lessons Learned/Next Steps

3. Blue Island: Regional Location

4. BLUE ISLAND: HISTORY

6. BLUE ISLAND: DEMOGRAPHICS

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

8. 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

9. OBESITY, cont. CDC: The New (AB)NORMAL

10. GETTING STARTED: Community Health Assessments One shared goal: Improved community health through redevelopment “Development Community” 4 steps to assess community health status Precursor to community health coalition

11. 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.

12. GETTING STARTED, cont. Public Health Themes Environmental Health Physical Health Mental Health Safety Obesity was identified as a community concern for both children and adults using the ATSDR Action Model.

13. 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

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. CPPW, cont. The Blue Island Model Community Program PSE Strategies Partnerships Community Health Coalition Non Motorized Transportation Complete Streets Policy Improved Nutrition Community Gardens Food System Profile Breastfeeding Support

17. 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

18. COMMUNITY HEALTH COALITION, cont. FORMATION Partnership Mission, Vision, Purpose Organizational Structure Membership Types: Individuals and Organizations, Active and Supporting Voluntary Size Requirements The 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.

19. COMMUNITY HEALTH COALITION, cont. BRANDING Planning, Coordinating, Advocacy

20. COMMUNITY HEALTH COALITION, cont. GOVERNANCE Leadership Board Officers Committees Meetings Sponsors Manual Bylaws/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.

21. 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

22. COMMUNITY HEALTH COALITIONS, cont. CHALLENGES Financial Resources Representation-broad based Cultural Competence-Respect, Understanding, Trust Sustainability-Evaluation

23. LESSONS LEARNED You 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

24. Our Challenge Our 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 Poverty Diabetes Our Approach Make healthy foods more available and unhealthy foods less available Create safer, more convenient places for walking, biking and the disabled Promote breastfeeding to members of our community Our Strategies Comprehensive Plan Non-Motorized Transportation Plan Complete Streets Policy Sustainable Food Systems Healthy Food & Beverage Options Breastfeeding Friendly Environments Community Gardens Strong Local Partnerships Why Collaborate? To prioritize PSE changes identified in previous planning effort To build on existing partnerships to have lasting impact To increase coordination between existing resources Think Blue Island. Think Outside the Loop

25. DISCUSSION SESSION

26. CONTACT Gita Rampersad, JD, MHA Manager, Office of Community Health City of Blue Island, IL grampersad@cityofblueisland.org