Building a healthy community, one piece at a time.

Martinsville Henry County

Highest Unemployment (Mar 2010):◦Martinsville 22%◦Henry County 15.6%

>80% clients/patients with income <200% FPL◦ Family 1 <$21,660◦ Family 2 <$29, 140◦ Family 4 <$44, 100

Martinsville Henry County

Rate of children eligible for free and reduced lunch is nearly 2x the state average

38% of Households on Medicaid

24% of Households on Food Stamps

MHC Coalition for Health and Wellness

1. Promote Health and the Reduction of Health Risk Behaviors Healthy Community Initiative Activate Martinsville Henry County Chronic Disease Self-Management

2. Increase Access to Health Services, primarily for the uninsured and underinsured FQHC Medication Assistance Case Management/Care Coordination

Preparation

Audience-Utilitarian? Recreation? Health?Assessment-Identify Key Stakeholders

Public Works Fire and EMS Community Planners Bike Club Revitalization Association Parks and Recreation VDOT Economic Development Corp. Rivers and Trails Group Interested Citizens Health Organizations Medical Community

WalkaboutsSurveys

Promotion• Effective communication is vital

LocalStateNational

Promotion

Avoid JargonInfrastructureTransformationComplete Streets

Develop a PR PlanChronic Disease PreventionTrail DevelopmentProgram PromotionPartnership Successes

ProgramsCommunity Programs that:Encourage and enable consistent physical

activityDisseminate information to assist citizens in

making healthier nutrition choicesPartner with local school systems, employers

and other community agencies to reduce barriers to healthier activities at school, at work and during leisure time

Create opportunities for participants to use their new skills in convenient, fun settings

Raise awareness, change behavior, promote environmental changes

ProgramsInventory existing programs

Enhance not duplicateWhat’s missing?Survey citizensKeep enthusiasts

engaged

Events International Walk to School Day

Hosted by School Systems & Activate126% increased participation 4,512 students & 14 schools

Great Goblin Gallop 5K Run Hosted by Park and Recreation & Activate150% increase in participation

Tour De Scholar Hosted by Chamber & Activate1st bike ride for locality

Historic Walk & TalkHosted by Historical Museum, Martinsville

Uptown Revitalization Assoc. & ActivateScripts developed so anyone can lead

ProgramsWalk-Up WednesdaysHosted by Albert Harris Elem., PTO

& ActivateOffered quarterlyIncrease in student’s attentivenessStudents are eager to learnStudents & staff enthusiastic

Tuesday Morning Strolls Hosted by Dan River Basin Assoc., Parks & Recreation, YMCA & Activate

Offered monthly Capacity building thru partneringParticipation growing New experiences for citizens

ProgramsMall Walkers ClubHosted by Mall, Parks & Recreation

& ActivateOffered dailyRejuvenated programSeven years ago – 50 membersToday – >328 members

On average 121 walkers per day

Low Impact Beginners Walk Hosted by YMCA & Activate

Offered three days a week Audience: Obese, Seniors, Disabled63% increase – 80 participants Psychological/physiological successes Building capacity/community champions

Family AerobicsWater AerobicsRockin’ 4 Health StepInstructor’s ChoiceCardio DanceYogaPilatesChair AerobicsZumba

Programs

Free Family Aerobics• Reasons for joining

• Barriers

Programs

To Lose Weight 70%

Increase energy/feel better 68%

Increase physical activity 64%

Improve health/quality of life 61%

Fun 60%

Free 59%

Reduce stress 55%

Improve self confidence 47%

Need encouragement 34%

Lack of motivation 25%Financial issues/cannot afford facilities 21%Lack of Interesting Activities 18%I don’t know how to get started 12%Appearance hinders exercising In public 6%

ProgramsEducational Series

Healthy LifestylesWeight managementNutrition basicsMeal planningLabel reading

Results

Number of participants reporting impact of classes:Improved nutrition 100%Increased physical activity 100% ; most doubled weekly

leisure exerciseIncreased confidence to make healthier lifestyle choices 78%

ProgramsEducational Series

Diabetes Self ManagementManaging blood sugarBlood glucose monitoringCarbohydrate counting

Results

Patients reporting: Target ResultsMonitor blood sugar daily 80% 98%HbA1c <7 65% 91% at 6 mo and 12 moAnnual foot exam 85% 85%Annual eye exam 65% 74%Annual cholesterol test 75% 54%

ProgramsEducational Series

Healthy HeartBlood pressure basicsCholesterol basicsSodium and fat intake

Results

Participant feedback regarding impact of classes:Reduced Stress 60%Improved nutrition, increased intake of fruits/vegetables 100%

Tried new cooking methods, use less salt 60%Drop in blood pressure within 6 weeks 40%Increased confidence about overcoming barriers to a “Healthy Heart” 100%

Feel better overall as a result of the classes 100%

Regular blood pressure monitoring is crucial for effective heart health.

Influencing Employers

Relationship Building

Policy

Advocacy

Educating Public

Influencing Schools

Policy• Public PoliciesComprehensive PlanComplete Street LanguageWalkable-Bikeable Community GoalActive living tie-ins

6 Year Secondary Road PlanRoad expansion re-designsNew construction sidewalk requirement

Other Plan AdoptionsRecreational Use PlanInfrastructure Priority PlanRegional Bicycle Plan

Bike Smart Basics

Physical ProjectsTrails

Smith River Fieldale TrailUptown Rail TrailGravely Nature Preserve7 River Accesses

Pedestrian ImprovementsEnhanced crosswalks

Bicyclist AmenitiesBike racksShare the Road signs

• Inventory/ build upon natural resources• Identify skill sets needed and leaders who are

committed to the vision• Provide encouragement, tools, resources• Be flexible and patient• Celebrate Success

Conclusion

www.healthycommunitymhc.org

www.activatemhc.org

bjackman@healthycommunitymhc.org