1. Healthy Arkansas Public Goals – Private Investment

2. What is Healthy Arkansas On May 4, 2004, Governor Mike Huckabee Launched Healthy Arkansas A statewide initiative to reduce obesity, tobacco use, and physical inactivity in Arkansas within the next two years A focus on achieving the Healthy People 2010 goals for children and adults in these three areas

3. Why Healthy Arkansas 61% of adult Arkansans are overweight/obese 27% adults engage in no leisure time physical activity 26% adults are current smokers 40% of children are overweight/at risk 34% of Arkansas youth do not get enough exercise 19% of Arkansas youth smoke Arkansas Medicaid costs almost $3 billion annually and is growing at a 9% rate per year

4. Who does Healthy Arkansas target Children in schools Adults in worksites Aging population “Captive” groups –Medicaid recipients –State employees

5. To accomplish the Healthy Arkansas goals, Governor Huckabee asked that: “ Policy makers, health professionals, and business leaders partner to change the culture of health throughout the state.”

6. The Healthy Arkansas effort will include: Community Initiatives Collaboration between public and private sectors Working with policy makers to invest in prevention and health promotion Health promotion programs to encourage responsible health choices and provide support for these choices State policies that recognize the importance of prevention

7. Public Goals – Private Investment How are we promoting and ensuring private investment in public goals?

8. Children in Schools Act 1220 of 2003 required BMI assessment of every child in all public schools in Arkansas Arkansas Center for Health Improvement developed the plan for conducting this assessment and successfully completed the process Arkansas’ Clinician’s Guide to Weight Problems in Children and Adolescents was developed by a group of physicians and other health professionals Act 1220 required establishment of local school nutrition and physical activity advisory committees. Membership includes: mayors, hospital CEO’s, Chamber of Commerce, etc.

9. Why Private Investment in Worksite Wellness Employees spend almost 45% of waking hours in the workplace –Reinforce/maintain healthy lifestyle efforts Business Benefits –Employers with physical activity programs have Reduced health care costs by 20-25% Reduced short-term sick leave by 6-32% Increased productivity by 2-52% Source: CDC and Tompkins Co. NY Worksite Wellness Program

10. Adults in Worksites Governor Huckabee hosted luncheon for a group of CEO’s to promote worksite wellness programs and seek their support State Health Department and Blue Cross/Blue Shield employees participated in Arkansas Fitness Challenge, a 3 month program to engage employees in consistent cardiovascular-type exercise Health Department is working with Greater Little Rock Chamber of Commerce to survey businesses regarding worksite wellness Healthy Arkansas uses success examples such as J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. to promote worksite wellness

11. Other Activities Dr. Fay Boozman, Director of Arkansas Department of Health, is traveling the state speaking to civic clubs, community and business leaders to gain support for Healthy Arkansas Healthy Arkansas is working with Lilly Pharmaceutical to use radio and television to help people with diabetes Healthy Arkansas is working with the Cancer Society and their partners on “Working Well” Program

12. Other Activities A major component of this initiative includes working with state employees’ insurance to create incentives for healthier behavior The Health Department supports 55 Hometown Health Coalitions to address health needs of communities. These coalitions have members who represent the private sector and invest in public goals. Healthy Arkansas is working with the Arkansas Hospitality Association to develop a “Healthy Arkansas Restaurant” designation

13. With Healthy Arkansas successes come lessons learned Be sure to include all “affected” entities Expect the ‘unexpected” Set realistic timeframes Consider what support materials will be needed and develop these in advance Designate/define areas of responsibility Take time to periodically evaluate “process” Establish clear lines of communication Communicate, communicate, communicate!

14. Dr. Fay Boozman, in discussing Healthy Arkansas, said “This effort will blend state resources and the best practices of the private sector”. For more information on Healthy Arkansas: website: www.HealthyArkansas.com