2011 Strategic Plan
WARD 1 Community Health Initiative February 2011
“Make resources accessible and available in the community to educate ourselves, because when we know better we do better.� Ward 1 Resident, Community Meeting Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
1
WARD 1 Community Health Initiative Harvard Community Services Center 18240 Harvard Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44128-1743 (216) 991-8585
Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
2
Table of Contents
Executive Summary!
4
Table 1: Community-based Strategic Implementation Plan Methodology
4
Existing Plan
5
Introduction!
6
Mission
7
Recommendations
7
Develop a Communication and Marketing Plan
7
Table 2: Components of a Logic Model
8
Table 3: Logic Model for Marketing & Communications
9
Training & Structure
9
Table 4: Logic Model for Training & Structure
11
Leadership Structure & Resident Engagement Strategy
11
Table 5: Logic Model for Leadership & Resident Engagement
13
Sustainable Partnerships & Practices for Healthy Eating and Active Living
13
Table 6: Logic Model for Partnerships
14
Develop a Schools as Neighborhood Resources site in Ward 1
15
Table 7: Logic Model for Schools as Neighborhood Resources
16
Youth Leadership Development through MyCOM
16
Table 8: Logic Model for Youth Leadership Development
17
Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
1
Early Emerging Themes!
18
Focus Group Session!
19
SWOT Analysis!
22
Vision
22
Strengths
23
Weaknesses
25
Opportunities
25
Challenges
28
Key Informant Interviews! Interview Themes
National Healthy Eating & Active Living Programs!
30 30
32
Healthy Eating
32
Healthy Schools
33
Taxation
34
Active Living
35
Places to Play
36
School Policy
37
Parent Education
38
Television
39
Articles and Links:
39
Food Bank
40
School Health Issues
41
Street Safety & Crime
43
Bans to Promote Healthy Living
43
Obesity
43
Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
2
Policy Recommendations!
45
Federal Policy
45
State Policy
45
City Policy
46
School Board or Building level Policy
46
Individual School Buildings
47
Policy for Private Organizations
47
Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
3
Executive Summary The Ward 1 Community Health Initiative (CHI) Advisory Committee was tasked to prepare a Strategic Plan. With the assistance of Neighborhood Leadership Institute (the Institute), a community based strategic implementation plan is outlined identifying internal priorities, recommending infrastructure improvements, creating internal and external partnerships, and proposed programming. The work of the Institute is grounded in the principles of developing a plan that is both useful, and builds the capacity and networks of the community that guided the work. The specific methodology of the plan is outlined in table 1. Table 1: Community-based Strategic Implementation Plan Methodology
Table 1: Ward 1 Community Health Initiative Methodology 1. Review and evaluate existing plan 2. Focus Group Meeting with Advisory Committee 3. Interviews with Key Stakeholders 4. 1st Community Meeting 5. Research local and national healthy living programs, best practices, and policy recommendations 6. 2nd Community Meeting 7. Meet with CHI Strategic Planning Committee to report emerging themes 8. Recommendations for Community-based Strategic Implementation Plan Based upon the work completed by the Institute, six recommendations are suggested for implementation: 1. Develop a Communication and Marketing Plan 2.Training & Structure 3. Leadership & Resident Engagement Strategy
Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
4
4. Sustainable Partnerships & Practices for Healthy Eating and Active Living 5. Develop a Schools as Neighborhood Resources Site in Ward 1 6.Youth Leadership Development Existing Plan A review and evaluation of previous planning and research illustrated that some significant wins have been achieved and opportunity for continued development identified: • Ten Community Gardens established in the Ward. Continued development ensure zoning and permits allow for sale of produce. • JFK Recreation Center has Fit Challenge Program that has maximum participation and received great media attention. Continued development program should be institutionalized. In addition, there is exciting work in progress from previous planning efforts: • Walking track at Kerruish Park near completion • Planning underway to connect Kerruish Park to Garfield Park • Recruitment and training of Family Health Advocates that have the ability to interview and record family medical histories. This project provides awareness and prevention planning, and supports the technical skills demonstrated by the youth • Youth programs in Health Training and Dell Computer Technicians
Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
5
Introduction “Systematic exclusion from decision making venues paved the way for inequitable community conditions. Continued power imbalances at the individual level are the legacy of these conditions and affect health through many pathways. Residents must be given more power and support to improve their community conditions” (Life and Death from Unnatural Causes: Health and Social Inequality in Alameda County, p. xii). Despite the challenges, Ward 1 remains a resilient and strong community. Community members expressed with extreme pride their reasons for staying in the neighborhood: • Know the neighborhood • Comfortable in the neighborhood, grew up here • Family, friends and community connections • Parents lived here, went to school here, kids go to school here • It is a good neighborhood, good neighbors, friendly • People are involved in the community • History, remember how things used to be • Keep coming back, people want to move here • Close to parks • Love the area and the people • People come together in this community
Based upon these strengths, the Institute offers this Strategic Plan developed by building upon the existing community fabric, and respecting the needs and vision of the community. The plan is guided by the mission statement developed by community members to direct the work of the Ward 1 Community Health Initiative.
Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
6
Mission Increase awareness about healthy living and lifestyles, and provide resources for healthy food and services by educating, communicating, promoting, and involving the residents of Ward 1. Recommendations The six recommendations for strategic implementation are outlined in detail. The recommendations outline the actions and timeline for the work. To provide additional support for the actions, general information along with relevant details collected throughout this strategic planning process that will be useful is also provided. Finally, each section concludes with a logic model to provide a systematic and visual representation of the recommended activities and impact. Develop a Communication and Marketing Plan Timing
Start
End
1 to 3 months
April 2011
Ongoing
3 months
April 2011
July 2011
Review and revise current logo, marketing materials
3 months
May 2011
August 2011
Align marketing material with future direction of CHI
3 months
May 2011
August 2011
Identify communication consultant and resident to partner and
9 months
March 2011
January 2012
3 months
April 2011
Ongoing
3 months
March 2011
June 2011
Marketing & Communications Plan Develop communication ideas that emerged from the community meetings Gain input and support from key stakeholders around sustainable marketing strategies.
develop marketing plan, materials, funding sources, sponsorship ideas, and in-kind resources for implementing marketing plan Identify sustainable marketing and communications techniques that includes partners that promote common goals addressing H.E.A.L. Leadership to clarify funding limitations, agency limitations and develop a method of transparent communication to impact CHI goals and residents.
Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
7
The elements of the Initiative needs to be clear to all generations of community through a variety of methods. Tape PSA's featuring Councilman and family, youth, business that speaks to quality of life (health, housing, economic vitality, safety, greenspace and gardens). Safety really speaks to student and adults feeling comfortable walking,running, playing in parks and neighborhood streets. Communication strategies suggested in the community meetings are as follows: • Electronic sign visible to at major intersection(s) • Information sharing at churches, barbershops and salons • Website • Door-to-door – talk to neighbors! • Mailings • Phone-a-friend, Telephone Trees with scripts • Billboards • Postings in local businesses • Public television access and radio
Table 2: Components of a Logic Model
Table 2: Components of aLogic Model 1. Resources include the human, financial, organizational, and community resources a program has available to direct toward doing the work. 2.Program Activities are what the program does with the resources. Activities are the processes, tools, events, technology, and actions that are an intentional part of the program implementation. These interventions are used to bring about the intended program changes or results. 3. Outputs are the direct products of program activities and may include types, levels and targets of services to be delivered by the program. 4.Outcomes are the specific changes in program participants’ behavior, knowledge, skills, status and level of functioning. 5. Impact is the fundamental intended or unintended change occurring in organizations, communities or systems as a result of program activities.
(Source: W.K Kellogg Foundation)
Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
8
Table 3: Logic Model for Marketing & Communications RESOURCES
ACTIVITIES
OUTPUTS
Carol Boddy Myron Bennett Councilman Residents CHI Resident Leadership Neighborhood Leadership Institute Funders Advisory Council Members Churches Businesses Block Clubs Community Based Organizations Consultants
Develop communication ideas that emerged from the community meeting
3 stakeholder meetings to develop logo, and marketing materials appeal to the broader community in particular, persons under 40
Gain input and support from key stakeholders around sustainable marketing strategies Review and revise current logo, marketing materials Align marketing material with future direction of the CHI initiative Identify communication consultant and resident to partner and develop marketing plan, materials, funding sources, sponsorship ideas, and in-kind resources for implementing marketing plan Identify sustainable marketing and communications techniques that includes partners that promote common goals addressing H.E.A.L. Leadership to clarify funding limitations, agency limitations and develop a method of transparent communication to impact CHI goals and residents
Develop short and long-term messages that provide CHI and resident leadership clear consistent messaging to improve community relations Develop communication, branding and marketing committee targeting young adults and youth Explore partnership opportunities and resources through HCSC, Kaiser and other partners to share opportunities for marketing and outreach 2 CHI leadership meetings to clarify Carol Boddy:s role, CHI limitations related to the scope of work in relation to the resident centered approach, and organizational involvement with CHI
OUTCOMES
IMPACT
Variety of marketing materials developed that appeals to the different age demographics in the community and reďƒ&#x;ects CHI, inclusive of H.E.A.L. Residents understand importance of the CHI
Recognizable CHI logo and message by all community members CHI establishes consistent message that most stakeholders support and promote in Ward One Young Adults and Youth are fully engaged as leaders supporting and promoting CHI in Ward One
Develop consistent messaging to improve engagement from broader community Increase youth voice and engagement with opportunities that promotes H.E.A.L and other community concerns faced by youth
Organizations in Ward One promote aligned goals that supports H.E.A.L objectives through marketing, communication and outreach Develop clear communication and understanding that promotes a structure to addressing H.E.A.L and resident centered interest unrelated to H.E.A.L.
Increase formal structures through mailings, budget, and outreach that promotes H.E.A.L through several organizations in Ward One Increase awareness of Carol Boddy:s role with CHI and HCSC Provide clear message to resident leaders and participants as it relates to funded objectives per H.E.A.L. and resident centered interest unrelated to H.E.A.L.
Training & Structure Training & Structure Provide professional development support for Carol Boddy
Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
Timing
Start
End
1 to 3 months
April 2011
Ongoing
9
Training & Structure Provide quarterly training opportunities for leadership
Timing
Start
End
3 months
April 2011
July 2011
3 months
May 2011
August 2011
3 months
May 2011
August 2011
9 months
March 2011
January 2012
development, community engagement and communication skills for all residents. Identify Funder, HCSC and Community Based Organizations and resident leadership training on project goals, strengths and assets supporting CHI Develop specific youth leadership training that targets age specific leaders and youth participants. Identify sustainable resident (youth and adults) leadership structure
Suggested strategies from the strategic planning process include: • Harvard Community Services Center is the custodian of the project. Training time for staff at HCSC is essential for relationship building and integrating the elements of the Health Initiative is into the overall plans for the Center and how it relates to the community. • Healthy Eating. Educate staff by clearly providing data that connects what we eat to the quality of our health. • Accessibility to healthy foods. Promote why gardens are important, little store in the Center should provide healthy snacks, campaign for merchants to have fresh fruits and vegetables available, vending machines in schools and menus should include healthy choices and what those choices are. • Active Living. Educate staff about the benefits of exercise and how walking trails, safe walking paths for students going to school and adults who walk in the neighborhood in the evenings, park and green space improvements that motivate outdoor activity . • Demonstrate how the Health Initiative is closely connected to the quality of life for all residents, businesses and stakeholders. • Educate seniors and residents. Persons with resources and skills in the community can train, teach, lead workshops for other residents. Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
10
Table 4: Logic Model for Training & Structure RESOURCES
ACTIVITIES
OUTPUTS
Carol Boddy Myron Bennett Councilman Residents CHI Resident Leadership Neighborhood Leadership Institute Funders Advisory Council Members Churches Businesses Block Clubs Community Based Organizations Consultants
Provide immediate professional development support for Carol Boddy
Determine 3 professional development resources to increase Carol Boddy<s effectiveness in her role (i.e. leadership coaching, strategic development skills, community organizing)
Provide quarterly training opportunities for leadership development, community engagement and communication skills for all residents Identify Funder, HCSC and Community Based Organizations and resident leadership training on project goals, strengths and assets supporting CHI Develop specic youth leadership training that targets age specic leaders and youth participants Identify sustainable resident (youth and adults) leadership structure
Identify a minimum of 8 quarterly training topics based on resident interest, and CHI focus that can be used to identify priority training needs of 50 residents Identify training 2x<s a year in partnership with other organizations that are addressing H.E.A.L in Ward One that align with CHI goals Identify 15 youth to determine their needs and establish a leadership training agenda
OUTCOMES
IMPACT
Increase awareness of professional strengths and needs by 100% that increases leadership capacity.
Develop leadership skills that are assets to CHI
50% increase in resident leaders engaged in CHI
Increase resident leaders skills, leadership capacity and communication skills Increase sustainable partnerships and outcomes addressing H.E.A.L.
Increase outcome measures by 50% through common training schedule with key goals reported by partnership organizations
Youth leaders and participants are fully engaged and support CHI goals Resident participation and organizational partners are champions for CHI efforts
Increase Youth capacity to be leaders and have clear asset based role supporting CHI Increase youth participation, organizational partnerships by 50% that to sustain their participation as leaders with CHI
Assess key ideas and strategies for engaging resident leaders by administering a survey tool, facilitate 3 focus groups with age specic groups
Leadership Structure & Resident Engagement Strategy Leadership Structure & Resident Engagement Strategy Identify 10 new residents immediately that are fully engaged in
Timing
Start
End
1 to 3 months
April 2011
July 2011
3 months
May 2011
Ongoing
the current structure of CHI (including 3 youth members) Provide quarterly training opportunities for leadership development, community engagement and communication skills for all residents.
Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
11
Leadership Structure & Resident Engagement Strategy
Timing
Start
End
Identify Funder, HCSC and Community Based Organizations
3 months
March 2011
Ongoing
1 to 3 months
March 2011
June 2011
2 months
March 2011
June 2011
1 to 3 months
April 2011
July 2011
3 months
May 2011
August 2011
3 months
June 2011
September
August
Biannually
and resident leadership training on project goals, strengths and assets supporting CHI Identify a sustainable resident centered leadership structure for CHI Plan a large community meeting to highlight CHI progress and plans for the next 3 months Identify new proposed structure and seek officers for new positions illustrated in models Establish a selection committee that consist of residents and stakeholders Identify resident leadership training needs for 2011 to be effective in their roles Host a large community meeting in August 2011 indicating who was selected and CHI priority areas for Fall 2011
2011
Suggested strategies from the strategic planning process include: • Convene all leadership program grads from NLI (Ward 1 and NLC) to integrate into the Initiative to strengthen leadership from residents. • Recruiting and training of additional residents who can serve on Advisory Committee and drive implementation of strategies and programs. • Appoint more Health partners (like Dr. Pamela Murphy) and Community Residents to Advisory Board. Engagement strategies suggested in the community meetings are as follows: • Knock on doors, start conversations • Get families involved • Public access television • Community involvement - start in high schools Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
12
Table 5: Logic Model for Leadership & Resident Engagement RESOURCES Staff: Carol Boddy Elaine Gohlstin MyCOM Coordinator MSASS Intern Technical Assistance: Neighborhood Leadership Institute, Families and Children First Council, The Cleveland Foundation, and Treumart Program Case Western Reserve University
ACTIVITIES
OUTPUTS
OUTCOMES
Programming for youth including: Advocacy, Transitions, Out of School Time, Neighborhood Capacity, Youth Engagement and Youth Employment program serving all school-age youth
500 school-age youth from Ward 1 involved in MyCOM programming
Short Term
Intermediate Term
Longer Term
25% of all neighborhood youth activities and resources are coordinated
50% of all neighborhood youth activities and resources are coordinated
100% of all neighborhood youth activities and resources are coordinated
20% of youth on the leadership council engaged in MyCOM initiative decisions
50% of youth on the leadership council engaged in MyCOM initiative decisions
Monthly committee meetings regarding the promotion of youth and their wellbeing.
10 youth events in the neighborhood held each year
A venue for youth advocacy is established at MyCOM initiative meetings
Agencies and youth advocate for youth opportunities and well-being
100% of youth on the leadership council engaged in MyCOM initiative decisions
60 neighborhood organizations serving youth 1 Youth Leadership Council
250 caregivers involved in events or programming
Funding: Kaiser Permanente, Cuyahoga County, The Cleveland Foundation
50% of caregivers engaged by MyCOM initiative through attending meetings or activities
75% of caregivers engaged by MyCOM initiative
IMPACT CHI and the MyCOM partners ensure that youth have access to the services and adult support necessary to be empowered, healthy, active and engaged members of their community.
Youth advocate for their well-being with access to agency and community support 100% of caregivers are actively involved in MyCOM program activities or events.
Sustainable Partnerships & Practices for Healthy Eating and Active Living Sustainable Partnerships & Practices Identify 2 to 4 Healthy Eating and Active Living goals that can
Timing
Start
End
1 to 3 months
April 2011
Ongoing
3 months
April 2011
Ongoing
promote sustainable change through policy and practice from existing partnerships Identify resources needed to educate and inform the committee and community on the importance of policy and practice as it relates to sustainable changes addressing Healthy Eating and Active Living by May 2011
Suggested strategies from the strategic planning process include: • Relationship-building speaks to the need for staff to do planning across program lines so that the HEAL is incorporated into Development, Early Childhood, and Senior Services activities • Formalizing (MOU's) with partners - Strong partners like YMCA, churches and organizations that do gardening, JFK Rec. etc. need to document their commitment o project • More intentional involvement of faith community and strengthen those existing relationships (Some churches have gardens that contribute to overall viability of project).
Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
13
• Churches are more engaged by collaborating with other churches in Ward. Utilize their vans to replace RTA neighborhood connectors, to address transportation needs in Ward, to travel to green spaces. • Health, Safety, Faith, Housing, Economic and Community Development, Education, Intergenerational Planning (Youth, Elders and Middle Agers) are all connected
Expectations for authentic partnerships identified in the community meetings are as follows: • Information and services that positively impacts the community • Time, dedication, priority • Constant communication • Shared goals/vision • Youth involvement/ work with youth and others will get involved
Table 6: Logic Model for Partnerships RESOURCES
ACTIVITIES
OUTPUTS
OUTCOMES
IMPACT
Carol Boddy Myron Bennett Councilman Terrell Pruitt Harvard Community Services Center Kaiser Permanente Advisory Council Members Churches Businesses Block Clubs Community Based Organizations Consultants
Identify 2 to 4 Healthy Eating and Active Living goals that can promote sustainable change through policy and practice from existing partnerships
Identify a 5 to 7 member committee team with residents, councilman and organizations that begin to explore sustainable opportunities improving Healthy Eating and Active Living through policy and practice
Identify opportunity that builds traction for implementing an initiative based on policy or practice by Fall 2011
Increase opportunity to building greater partnerships with clear goals that can be implemented for 2011 and 2012
Increase knowledge of community and committee members as to the importance of policy and practice that supports long term change addressing Healthy Eating and Active Living
Implement meaningful partnerships that promotes sustainable change addressing Healthy Eating and Active Living
Identify resources needed to educate and inform the committee and community on the importance of policy and practice as it relates to sustainable changes addressing Healthy Eating and Active Living
Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
Provide 3 education sessions on policy, current assets, and challenges implementing policy & organizational practices for sustainable change addressing Healthy Eating and Active Living
14
Develop a Schools as Neighborhood Resources site in Ward 1 Timing
Start
End
MyCom After school and evening community programs
Year-round
August 2011
Ongoing
Offered 3 days a week from 3:00pm until 8:45pm
Year-round
August 2011
Ongoing
Safe and healthy environment to play and learn
Year-round
August 2011
Ongoing
Develop Schools as Neighborhood Resources Site
Schools as Neighborhood Resources (SNR) currently consist of seven sites across the Cleveland metropolitan area, that open the public schools in the evening to neighborhoods. A SNR site is proposed for Ward 1. The site would be open after school, only to students through My Commitment. My Community (MyCOM) programming, and in the evening to all community members. MyCOM supports youth through programming and services offering employment opportunities, and out-of-school time activities. The target populations for SNR sites are families and individuals of all ages. These sites give youth and families a safe place to learn and play located right in their own neighborhood. What SNR sites hope to create are fun, safe, learning environments for youth and their families in their own neighborhoods to build community capacity and relationships. The impacts of the Ward 1 SNR site include community empowerment and engagement by expanding individual and community opportunities and better preparing youth for school and life. The SNR site will increase the knowledge base of the community and its resources. The presence of the site and its open doors to the neighborhood will create strong meaningful relationships, connections and networks. Less crime, drugs and violence will occur which in turn will result in more safe and healthy families in Ward 1. SNR sites allow for community members to take advantage of quality programming and create strong networks and relationships with others in their neighborhoods.
Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
15
Table 7: Logic Model for Schools as Neighborhood Resources RESOURCES NLI Staff, HCSC, Carol Boddy Community Members Americorp Volunteers Community Partners Councilman Terrell Pruitt
ACTIVITIES
OUTPUTS
MyCom After school and evening community programs
500 Community members participate in Ward 1 SNR activities
Offered 3 days a week from 3:00pm until 8:45pm
50 youth participate in MyCom after school program
Safe and healthy environment to play and learn
10 Community partnerships are maintained with programs at the site
Source: Jessica.Kayse@case.edu
OUTCOMES
IMPACT
75% of community members that participate at the SNR site feel an increase knowledge of Healthy Eating and Active Living
Empowered and Engaged Community Expanding individual and community opportunities
75% of youth in MyCom program increase participation in recreational activities
Operate 3 sustainable community programs that's focus are Healthy Eating to complement Active Living (recreational) programs
50% of participants increase community service and involvement
400 youth are eligible for dinner through the Children's Hunger Alliance
50% of participants will create meaningful neighborhood relationships
Create strong meaningful connections, relationships and networks Expand knowledge of the community and its resources
75% of participants increase knowledge about nutritious cooking and eating
Safe and healthy families Youth are better prepared to live healthier lives as adults
30% of participants active in other neighborhood programs
Youth Leadership Development through MyCOM Youth Leadership Development
Timing
Start
End
Programming for youth including: Advocacy, Transitions, Out of
1 to 3 months
April 2011
Ongoing
3 months
April 2011
Ongoing
School Time, Neighborhood Capacity, Youth Engagement and Youth Employment program serving all school-age youth Monthly committee meetings regarding the promotion of youth and their well-being.
MyCOM coordinates community youth providers to increase and ease access to resources, improving the quality of life and well-being for youth. In addition, MyCOM works to strengthen the pathways of communication to increase the capacity for youth programming. Through MyCOM, CHI can ensure all youth have access to services and the support they need to be
Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
16
healthy, successful, and engaged members of the community as they mature to be adults. Youth leadership development will be implemented across four outcome paths: coordination of Youth Activities and Resources; development of a Youth Leadership Council as a way for youth to have a voice about their lives and their communities; Youth Advocacy; and Parental Engagement. As a MyCOM agency, CHI will promote the enhancement of the quality of life for youth, which includes their families. The presence of supportive adults is imperative to the development of youth and their ability to take advantage of all possible resources. Table 8: Logic Model for Youth Leadership Development RESOURCES
ACTIVITIES
OUTPUTS
Staff: Carol Boddy Elaine Gohlstin MyCOM Coordinator MSASS Intern
Programming for youth including: Advocacy, Transitions, Out of School Time, Neighborhood Capacity, Youth Engagement and Youth Employment program serving all school-age youth
500 school-age youth from Ward 1 involved in MyCOM programming
Monthly committee meetings regarding the promotion of youth and their wellbeing.
10 youth events in the neighborhood held each year
Technical Assistance: Neighborhood Leadership Institute, Families and Children First Council, The Cleveland Foundation, and Treumart Program Case Western Reserve University
60 neighborhood organizations serving youth 1 Youth Leadership Council
250 caregivers involved in events or programming
Funding: Kaiser Permanente, Cuyahoga County, The Cleveland Foundation
OUTCOMES
IMPACT
Short Term
Intermediate Term
Longer Term
25% of all neighborhood youth activities and resources are coordinated
50% of all neighborhood youth activities and resources are coordinated
100% of all neighborhood youth activities and resources are coordinated
20% of youth on the leadership council engaged in MyCOM initiative decisions
50% of youth on the leadership council engaged in MyCOM initiative decisions
A venue for youth advocacy is established at MyCOM initiative meetings
Agencies and youth advocate for youth opportunities and well-being
100% of youth on the leadership council engaged in MyCOM initiative decisions
50% of caregivers engaged by MyCOM initiative through attending meetings or activities
75% of caregivers engaged by MyCOM initiative
CHI and the MyCOM partners ensure that youth have access to the services and adult support necessary to be empowered, healthy, active and engaged members of their community.
Youth advocate for their well-being with access to agency and community support 100% of caregivers are actively involved in MyCOM program activities or events.
Source: Taryn.Higgins@case.edu
Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
17
Early Emerging Themes Advisory / Strategic Planning Committee 1. Increase residents, organizations, and stakeholders to sustain Ward One Initiative 2.Discover residential leadership assets that can further engage sustainable participation 3.Increase resident engagement to support strategic planning committee and future committees 4.Determine strategy to engage stakeholders, in particular residents, to support current Coordinator and Consultant for successful plan 5.Develop Active Living committee to support overall H.E.A.L. strategy 6.Develop short-term goals to support clarity and continuity of meeting purpose and objectives monthly 7.Develop a comprehensive strategic visioning process that focus on long-term strategy. Not only, Healthy Eating and Active Living programs 8.Develop a communication strategy that includes the following: a.Social Marketing of Community Health Initiative targeting resident participation b.Include clarity that CHI Ward One is the initiative and H.E.A.L. are programs of the initiative supporting a national movement for Kaiser c.Increase stakeholder collaborative partnerships addressing H.E.A.L. with stakeholder
Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
18
Focus Group Session What is your prospective on the planning process of the Ward 1 HEAL? • The planning pace is slow, not enough people gathering at one time to provide constructive feedback • The time of the meetings are a challenge for resident participation • Disjointed-different conversations at meetings. There is not a constant thread (common objective) from meeting to meeting • The history of the project was having routine meeting- but no activities • There is Healthier Food served at meetings now • Clearer definition of Membership • Gardens Attract Outsiders • 2006 Festival • “Young Process” • Frustration is one-sided execution (Healthy Eating) What are the priority areas that need to be developed for the success of the plan? • Priorities on Active Living and Healthy Eating • Basic Priorities (for plan) were completed on Healthy Eating, not Active Living • Original Retreat Priority Areas: Eliminate Food Deserts and Safer walking and biking routes to schools for youth and adults. (Have not established many walking groups) How has the data from the last plan informed your current work?
Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
19
• There were 2 goals from the original planning retreat (2008) related to community gardens. 3 more gardens were established consequently. • As of 2010 there are 10 community gardens. What has not worked? • Do not know what community expects • Programmatic focus not strategic (i.e. long term strategy) • Advertise Activities More… • Neighborhood is transient. Need more flyers and shared information with community • Timing and detail about meetings (clarity) • Garden committee is the only active group What are the connections/relationships between the funder, strategic committee, stakeholders both professional and residential? • Why are we planning we have not implemented everything (statement) • The overall process has been more programmatic than strategic (visioning) • Have more structure on community stakeholder side • Prepare residential stakeholders to assume leadership roles • Build capacity of leadership, share information with engaged residents. • Critical issues and concern related to long term activities and engagement • The project was initially Agency-Drive • Connect all activities related to H.E.A.L. in the community As we move forward what resources are critical for the implementation of the plan? • Current Staffing is in place (Coordinator and Consultant)
Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
20
Have there been sustainable relationships established to strengthen the strategic plan? • Community Process should Lead to Community Infrastructure • Create a model: Move from unconscious to conscious community-wide H.E.A.L Project, evidenced by existing and created activities linked and marketed. • “H.E.A.L. is our Community Health Initiative,” how do we frame it so it is recognizable? • Ingrain model into initiative so it is owned by community & sustained • Bridge disconnected pieces • Bring all the Leaders together
Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
21
SWOT Analysis During the two community group meetings, a SWOT analysis was conducted along with other questions posed to the group for reflection and response. Vision • Walking and bike trails • State of the art fitness center • Clean environment • Spa - facials, messages • Farmers Market • Programs to improve elderly health • Central location of resources - “Walmart” for community, one stop, epicenter • Health food store - vitamins, herbs, internet with access to healthy diets and healthy recipes • Mustard Seed, Whole Foods • Farmers market, fresh foods • In schools - nutritious eating and training/education on nutritious eating • Teach kids how to cook healthy • Remove fast foods restaurants from the community • Physical activities for winter months (and summer) • Educate children on benefits of health • Health and Wellness Center - learn about diabetes, obesity, workshops • VA Center • Elegant restaurant • Healthy restaurants • Partners with market - store layout with sections for better eating Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
22
• Healthy meals on wheels • Renovate Kerruish Park - beautiful green space • Signage, billboards to promote healthy eating, healthy neighborhood • Business in ward to sell healthy products • Get the word out of current family oriented resources (e.g., recreation center) • Safe • Neighborhood kept up • Support of shopkeepers • More flowers and flag poles • Walkable areas near shops • Pride in the community, holiday decorations • Better merchandise, products for sale in local stores • Standards for neighborhood business to keep community up • Better managed vacant buildings and lots • Businesses give back to the community, not just take away • Opportunities to allow residents to open businesses in neighborhood • Walking Club • Healthy Cooking classes – learn how to prepare healthy meals and learn about different foods to eat • Better recreation center hours for easy access • Engage young people • Trips together to go to healthy places for walking and hiking (i.e. Westside Market, Zoo, University Circle Institutions, parks, etc.) Strengths • Recreation Center • Phased development of parks • Churches - programs, sermon on fitness and health
Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
23
• Newer sidewalks/infrastructure • Ward 1 Newspaper - good for marketing, communication tool • People are exercising • Harvard Community Services Center • Dave’s Supermarket in community • Little league baseball, football, and drill teams • Gardens • Schools • Connections with community • Community organizations • Church programs, church bulletin boards • Kids • Many collaborations in the community • People go out and vote, concerned, dedicated citizens • Pride in properties • Large number of homeowners • Strong African American community • Good business base • Health initiative • Two new state-of-the-art schools in the area • Harvard Community Services Center • Affordable housing • Respect and recognition • Proximity to hospitals, freeway • Strong, solid church base • Libraries, parks, shopping, grocery stores • Metro Clinic at Lee/Harvard Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
24
• Proximity of NEON Health Center Weaknesses • Assets not effectively utilized e.g., parks • Some parks still need attention • Not all sidewalks are repaired (possible hazard) • Residents need more connections • HCSC programs not fully supported • Not enough transportation to take seniors to places - e.g., parks, botanical garden • Need more leaders for boy scouts and girl scouts • Lack of long term planing, follow-through • Need to stick together • Need to better convey wins and progress, follow-up • Same people at the meetings all the time • Other activities, sports that are nontraditional (e.g., tennis, cricket, swimming) - additional opportunities for scholarships • No effective marketing, need more appeal • Residents can be stubborn about new ideas • Communication could be better • Disconnection with youth • Could better support minority businesses in the neighborhood • Littering • Not enough (healthy) food choices • No connections for youth programs and mentorships • Safety Opportunities • Get people to walk and interact more. Having folks out will build community and develop connections with youth, provide sage advice Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
25
• Scripture that directs healthy eating • Need connections - website, current events, a place to congregate, and information source • Use church vans for transportation • Billboard with information • Boy and Girl Scout troops • Churches can develop programs, and healthy eating sermons • Build on connections with city government • Bring back/better support community days at schools to expose young people to expertise of local residents • Ride the wave - build off churches that have large followings to secure support and inform of programming • Identify young adults in neighborhoods and connect to continue to build community • Partnering/collaborations to build community engagement • Information clearinghouse so activities across ward are on a community calendar (electronic and paper for people without internet access) • Ask people what they are interested in - survey • Opportunity to train/educate across health, education • Marketing - printed publication, quarterly, electronic bulletin board • Create many points of entry for community engagement • Build off energy/strengths of young people, can serve as the drivers of communication • Build in community message in businesses - marquees, existing advertising and marketing, add information to Councilman’s newsletter, public service announcements, flyers handed out at grocery stores, community boards • Need to communicate with children - they are the messengers • Have doctors in the community providing services • Integrate strengths, leverage resources • Churches connect to residents on nearby streets • Better tell history • Neighborhoods need to be a priority Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
26
• Next event, reach to a neighbor in a different generation to invite to attend • Involve youth across all churches • Involvement of all residents - youth, seniors, churches • Encourage youth and teach patience so they understand, exchange experiences • Different activities to attract different populations in the community (e.g., artist corner, block club meetings not on the block) • More involved with youth, create connections • Educate about HEAL and their food choices; how to eat healthy, better tasting food • Educate on how to be better citizens so to set an example to the youth • Teach examples of banking, budgeting, and financial management • Proactive Parents • Support teachers and school so that they can have a more powerful impact on students • Make businesses more accountable to what they are selling to the community • More food choices • Organize community to picket or boycott businesses, develop community building and organizing skills • More resources for seniors (to help get them out of their homes) • Gain business support for community initiatives • Better organize community so to know how to access city services • More engaged and active residents • Bring back playgrounds • Need programming at parks and safe areas to play and travel • Network with neighbors so to get to know them better through meet and greets, yard parties, etc. (create a social network); Create stronger networks and connections • Home gardening class • Coordinate activities to create more jobs in the area for youth • Neighborhood Watch or block watch; work with police for community safety • Intergeneration activities
Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
27
• Become brother’s keeper • Step up as a community • Defense classes to empower residents and create a better awareness of their surroundings Challenges • Ward has become complacent because of history of strong community • Reenergize community engagement • Strengthen block clubs by engaging young adults in the community • Not always open to new ideas from younger people, need to listen • Church programs not reaching/attracting residents • Get the word out • Internet not accessible to all residents • Churches can be territorial • How do we build? How do we create a movement? How do we cross the boundaries/territories and convey the message? Tie back to the movement if the church, that is the foundation. • Get people to commit time • Set own agenda • Established groups are suffering because not supported widely by residents • Community groups can be territorial • Many people not in church, how reach? • Convey message, open lines of communication • Need a community wide effort to create a healthy community • Reach out to younger generation in the neighborhood • Access to affordable/healthy options • Foreign -born business owners not re-investing in stores in our community (i.e. gas station on Miles) • Safety-better police/policing presence • Clean parks
Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
28
• Communication of programs in the neighborhood • Community involvement • Jobs for youth
Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
29
Key Informant Interviews Interview Themes Key informant interviews were conducted to support the development of the strategic plan. The key informant interviews included the neighborhood residents and stakeholders engaged in the project. Themes were identified as similar issues, recommendations and concerns emerged across stakeholders.
Key Informant Interview Themes Build upon and expand partnerships that promote healthy eating and active living in Ward One through a more formal and strategic approach. Identify partnerships that increase funding opportunities to support the Ward One Community Healthy Initiative Develop and implement a social marketing strategy that targets specific age groups, including a process that educates, promotes participation and engage stakeholders (organizations and residents) Develop a mission and vision statement for the Ward One Community Healthy Initiative Establish a structure that supports and promotes sustainable community engagement with an emphasis on resident participation Develop a sustainable resident engagement process that increase the capacity of the program through resident volunteers Implement a process to identify resident assets and gifts that promotes sustainable resident participation and volunteers through leadership opportunities Clarify the role of the funder, fiscal agency, and the H.E.A.L initiative as it relates to the Ward One Community Healthy Initiative
Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
30
Key Informant Interview Themes Establish a leadership and skills building training opportunities for the Program Coordinator Establish a leadership and skills building process for residential leaders Expand current social marketing strategies (mailings, news letters etc. ) However, develop a an intentional process for engaging residents through door to door outreach Develop a process that address community issues in alignment with stakeholder interest beyond H.E.A.L. Establish a democratic process that includes all of Ward One residents to participate with H.E.A.L Recruit residents to participate on the healthy eating and active living committee through existing programs where residents currently participate. Continue building the community gardening programs A primary objective for year one would be to increase resident engagement and participation
Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
31
National Healthy Eating & Active Living Programs Policy Matters Ohio Eating healthy food is associated with better health. When stores don’t have fresh produce, unhealthy options are aggressively marketed, messages from the media are confusing, and better choices are less affordable, and inevitably diets will be less healthy. Furthermore, food that is bad for us often tastes good and has a slightly addictive quality. Kids who are steered toward these choices early find it very difficult to break away from them later in life. Current public policy and marketing practices make it highly likely that kids in many neighborhoods will become accustomed to fast food, soda, and other meals that are high in sugar, fat, salt and artificial flavors, and low on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Below, as a starting point for discussion, are brief bullets describing many policy changes that could increase healthy eating in Ward 1. Healthy Eating 1. Access to fresh produce. Encourage convenience stores to stock produce – There’s a program in Cleveland to encourage small grocery stores to stock fresh produce at the check-out lines instead of chips, soda and candy. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/31/business/ smallbusiness/31grocery.html 2. Develop farmer’s markets. Publicly fund a “veggie mobile” as in state of NY http://bit.ly/ buDkOQ. This program brings fruits and vegetables to people living in food desserts in Albany, Troy and Schenectady who would not have access to fresh produce otherwise. 3. Establish community gardens (must consider soil quality and lead issues). About 200 community food gardens exist in Cleveland. There are 10 community gardens in Ward 1. According to EcoCity Cleveland, community gardens add to the beautification and social cohesion of a community and its surrounding neighborhoods. http:// www.ecocitycleveland.org/smartgrowth/openspace/gardens.html. Columbus also has
Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
32
community gardens. The food is shared with the gardeners, neighborhood members, and local food banks. http://ourohio.org/index.php?page=growing-green-communities-2 4. Support community supported agriculture (linking with farms to deliver fresh produce) 5. Connect food pantries with fresh produce from Ohio farms 6. Explore use of federal â&#x20AC;&#x153;healthy food financing initiativeâ&#x20AC;? - http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/ 2010pres/02/20100219a.html - Health and Human Services (HHS) will dedicate up to $20 million in Community Economic Development program funds to the Healthy Food Financing Initiative. Through the CED program, HHS will award competitive grants to Community Development Corporations to support projects that finance grocery stores, farmers markets, and other sources of fresh nutritious food. These projects will serve the dual purposes of facilitating access to healthy food options while creating job and business development opportunities in low-income communities, particularly since grocery stores often serve as anchor institutions in commercial centers. Consider (with caution) policies to attract grocery stores http://bit.ly/dsciA0 . Healthy Schools 1. Provide healthy school breakfast, school lunch and school milk 2. Eliminate soda and sweetened drinks on school properties. The American Beverage Association (ABA) in joint efforts with The Coca-Cola Company, Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, and PepsiCo wants to reduce the number of full calorie soft drinks supplied to schools nationwide. In fact, under the Alliance School Beverage Guidelines, the ABA has reduced beverage calories shipped to over 40,000 schools by 88% from the 2004/2005 to the 2009/2010 school year. http://www.ameribev.org/files/240_School%20Beverage %20Guidelines%20Final%20Progress%20Report.pdf 3. Limit desserts in schools. In New York, the Department of Education (DOE) has banned the sale of homemade goods at school bake sales http://stuyspectator.com/2010/03/26/doelifts-ban-on-bake-sales-prohibits-selling-homemade-goods/. The DOE has selected 27 packaged foods that students are allowed to sell in addition to fruits and vegetables. In their attempts to limit the amount of junk food available to students, the DOE has faced several
Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
33
protests. http://articles.latimes.com/2010/mar/21/nation/la-na-hometown-newyork21-2010mar21 4. Illinois House members are trying to pass HB 4646 which limits the service of dessert to students to no more than once per week. The bill has recently been re-referred to the Rules Committee. http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp? DocNum=4646&GAID=10&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=76&GA=96 5. Eliminate vending machines on school property – The Obama administration is pushing for healthier vending machines. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35299173/ 6. Require fast food and other unhealthy restaurants to be at least ¾ mile from schools – “The Effect of Fast-Food Restaurants on Weight Gain” (Currie, DellaVigna, Moretti and Pathania, 2009). This California case-study found that students who go to school within walking distance of fast-food restaurants are significantly more likely to be obese, controlling for demographic and income factors. 7. Provide quality nutrition education in and out of schools, focused on eating well on a budget 8. Consider scheduling recess before lunch – A school in Middletown, Ohio implemented this program and found that children ate more food when recess was before lunch, since they were no longer rushing through lunch to get to recess. The school saw fewer health and disciplinary referrals and increased classroom performance after implementing this program. http:// www.middletownjournal.com/news/middletown-news/recess-before-lunch-onhorizon-562511.html Taxation 1. Enact a soda tax, use all proceeds for health education and treatment of obesity-related issues 2. Enact a fast food tax, provide similar limits on use of proceeds 3. Require better food labeling – Many studies I have looked at have shown that the calorie labeling laws that are already in place (New York, California and Massachusetts) have not had any effect on obesity. The most consistent finding across all studies that have been done is that calorie labeling by itself does not lead to better health or decisions among low-income people.
Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
34
Most of these papers suggest that better education is needed, along with a simpler labeling system. http://content.ny1.com/pages/downloads/Calorie_study.pdf 4. One thing to watch out for is the propensity for manufacturers and restaurants to “call out” health benefits of their food items. For example, there was a study on the use of “low fat” labeling on products. It separated people into normal weight and overweight consumers, and found that both groups consume more of a food if it is labeled low fat. This effect would disappear for normal weight people if information on serving size were also included. However, the serving size information did not reduce consumption by overweight people. So it is easy to see that if restaurants are only required to post calorie information, they could use unhealthy low-calorie options to boost consumption. Even if this were accompanied by serving size information, it would still have adverse effects on the people most susceptible to obesity. This is one thing to watch out for, since the health care bill requires calorie labeling nationally for restaurant chains with 20 or more locations. 5. Provide public transportation to stores with fresh produce – The closing of community circulators in Lakewood has caused some residents to lose access to grocery stores. <http:// www.cleveland.com/crime/index.ssf/2009/07/rta_may_adjust_bus_routes_to_e.html> Active Living Regardless of how you eat, getting exercise is essential to health and safety. For many urban residents, getting exercise is difficult. Jobs are often demanding and draining, leaving limited free time and energy. Neighborhoods are sometimes unsafe or perceived as unsafe, making parents reluctant to allow children outside to play unsupervised, and adults reluctant to walk or jog during certain hours. Communities are often constructed around automobile use and pedestrians or bicyclists can be right to worry that they are taking risks by riding in the street. Outdoor playgrounds, running tracks and pools make getting exercise much easier, and in Cleveland indoor recreation space is essential. The media makes it harder in countless ways. First, screens (television, computer, gaming) are addictive and sedentary. Second, advertising is either for food (often the unhealthiest processed foods) or for expensive gym memberships – there are no advertisements encouraging residents to walk around the block. Third, confusing competing studies about health tips, when in reality, any movement is good. Below are some possibilities for changes that can get residents outside and moving. Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
35
1. Safe Streets – people can’t use the streets unless they’re safe. 2. Ensure good street lighting 3. Put in place traffic calming measures (e.g., median on Lee Road). The Project for Public Space’s website lists numerous examples of cities including Cleveland’s efforts to make city streets more pedestrian friendly by “moderating the flow of traffic and making streets less hazardous.” http://www.pps.org/project_lists/Transportation/Streets.html. Traffic calming tools include narrowing roadways, extending curbs, and inserting medians. Additional tools and techniques can be found at EcoCity Cleveland’s website. http:// www.ecocitycleveland.org/transportation/traffic/calming.html. 4. Provide adequate policing. EcoCity Cleveland lists numerous intersections and streets throughout Cleveland that are difficult and dangerous for pedestrians and young school children to attempt to cross. http://www.ecocitycleveland.org/transportation/traffic/ ohio_city_streets.html. 5. Volusia County Florida is credited with having the best crossing guard program in Florida. Crossing guards help children cross streets but also “educate children about pedestrian and bicycle safety, [and] help organize ‘Walk to School Day’ activities.” Crossing guard programs promote community safety. http://volusia.org/sheriff/awards/School%20Crossing %20Guard.htm. Places to Play 1. Provide access to recreational facilities. Encourage walking and community walk programs 2. Allow after school access to school gymnasiums. Some California school districts allow community members to use school gymnasiums and outdoor playgrounds. http:// www.phlpnet.org/healthy-planning/products/joint_use_toolkit. Both Public Health Law & Policy and California Pan-Ethnic Health Network have cited the benefits of joint use agreements which allow school districts to partner with public or private entities to make school property such as gymnasiums available to the public for use after school hours and/or on weekends. http://www.cpehn.org/pdfs/Joint%20Use%20Brief.pdf. 3. Provide community playgrounds
Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
36
4. Fund staff at community playgrounds to supervise, keep safe, and encourage games 5. Provide community pools with adequate lifeguarding. Ohio University and the city of Zanesville have recently teamed up to study the benefits of bringing a community Aquatic and Fitness Center to Zanesville. The Muskingum Recreation Center (MRC), a non-profit, cites both physical benefits such as lowering blood pressure and building muscle along with community benefits such as increasing family time. http://www.ouorc.ohio.edu/news/ OHIO_Zanesville_Aquatic_Fitness_Center_Jan10.htm. 6. Encourage stair use. Require access to stairwells in all buildings and provide signs encouraging stair use. The Annals of Internal Medicine and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have both researched the use of signs encouraging stair use. http:// www.annals.org/content/129/5/363.full. The Annals of Internal Medicine studied over 17,000 shoppers while the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions studied workers in an office building. http://www.welcoa.org/freeresources/pdf/stairwell_to_health21.pdf. Both studies suggest that motivational signs along with a splash of color made taking the stairs more appealing. School Policy 1. Allow biking to school. The National Center for Safe Routes to School and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have secured $11 million in funding to make getting to school safer for students in 41 Ohio communities. The National Center for Safe Routes to School focuses on creating and maintaining safe pedestrian and bicycle routes for children going to and from school. The National Center for Safe Routes to School has worked with neighborhood planning committees in the Ohio in Canal Winchester, Edison, Fairview, Kiser, Ruskin, and Cleveland. http://www.dot.state.oh.us/Divisions/TransSysDev/ProgramMgt/ Projects/SafeRoutes/Pages/default.aspx. 2. Allow community after school access to PE facilities. http://www.phlpnet.org/healthyplanning/products/joint_use_toolkit. Some California school districts allow community members to use school gymnasiums and outdoor playgrounds. Both Public Health Law & Policy and California Pan-Ethnic Health Network have cited the benefits of joint use agreements which allow school districts to partner with public or private entities to make
Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
37
school property such as gymnasiums available to the public for use after school hours and/or on weekends. http://www.cpehn.org/pdfs/Joint%20Use%20Brief.pdf. 3. Require daily outdoor recess in most weather, indoor gym recess in bad inclement weather – Here’s an article about the importance of recess and the possible upside for having recess before lunch instead of after as most schools do. < http://www.journal-news.com/news/ hamilton-news/study-shows-importance-of-recess-during-school-day-299259.html? showComments=true> 4. Require PE three times per week that stress the importance of and build the habits for lifelong Physical Activity - http://www.news-medical.net/news/2004/07/29/3636.aspx This article discusses the importance of physical education in childhood development. 5. Encourage jump rope, walking and running clubs after school. Chestnut Intermediate School in North Olmsted has a variety of clubs and activities. The Running Club encourages students, parents, and teachers to exercise and live a healthy lifestyle. http:// www.northolmstedschools.org/Chestnut_ClubsActivitiesPTA.aspx 6. Provide good exercise education in schools. The Dairy Council of California’s nutrition and physical-activity education curriculum for middle school students is called Exercise Your Options and focuses on awareness and practice. The Dairy Council of California provides studies based on the use of their curriculum and state that those who took the course made healthier eating choices. http://www.dairycouncilofca.org/Educators/ProgramEvaluation/ EvaluationEYO_ovr.aspx. 7. Employ crossing guards and require that cars drop off children several blocks away except when student has a disability Parent Education 1. Provide extensive, free education on the importance of free play for kids – This article discusses the importance of free play in childhood development, especially noting the impact of free play on emotional development. http://www.aap.org/pressroom/play-public.htm 2. Provide extensive, free education on the need to limit screen time – This article provides information on the importance of limiting screen time. http://kidshealth.org/parent/ positive/family/tv_affects_child.html Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
38
# Television 1. Require PSAs on all stations encouraging turning off the TV and getting exercise (they are public airways). http://www.nflrush.com/play60/. Celebrities, sports players, and even President Obama are being used to send the message to kids that they need to be active and play outside. The NFL, especially, runs commercials in which team members are playing outside with kids. The NFL even had a contest in which kids could take a player to school. http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/11/20/obama-nfl-players-encourage-kids-toexercise/. 2. Consider an hourly requirement that all stations spend ten minutes interrupting programming to encourage exercise (every hour on the hour, for example). Along these lines, after about an hour of play, Nintendo’s popular Wii game-consol actually prompts users with a message “why don’t you take a break?” Articles and Links: 1. Policy Link is an excellent source for a variety of articles and studies on these issues: http:// www.policylink.com/ . Interesting studies include this one, on the grocery gap: http:// www.policylink.org/site/c.lkIXLbMNJrE/b.5860321/k.A5BD/The_Grocery_Gap.htm? msource=grocerygap , and another one called Designed for Disease, available as a download but not a link, on the connection between neighborhoods and diabetes. 2. http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-07-05-fresh-produce_N.htm: USA Today article about the state funded “veggie mobile.” The veggie mobile delivers fresh produce at reduced prices to areas that are not served by grocery store chains. The article mentions the food deserts: "As more and more national chains have a greater share of the food market, it can impact areas that don't have either the space or the demand for a full line grocery store," said Ephraim Leibtag, an economist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. "The majority of the country is predicated on driving somewhere (for groceries), so 'close to home' may be defined differently if you don't have a car." 3. http://www.cdcg.org/VeggieMobile.html Link to the homepage of the “Veggie Mobile” which is state funded through the Capitol District Community Gardens. This link provides Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
39
information about how the veggie mobile got started, how it is funded, services provided, and its schedule. 4. http://www.shelterforce.org/article/984/making_food_deserts_bloom/ Article discusses food deserts and surrounding issues including associated health problems and lack of proper transportation. Also mentions a study that mapped food deserts in Chicago and a 2004 study in Philadelphia that provides statistics about the effects of food deserts. The article also focuses on initiatives to deal with this problem. Examples are community gardens, community supported agricultural projects, God’s Gang, and government funded projects. 5. http://www.justfood.org/ -Our aim is to turn food deserts into “islands of sustainability.” Addressing the rapid decline of family farms and the loss of agricultural land by linking small and medium-scale producers to new markets in New York City. Programs include: community supported agriculture (CSA) programs, establishing city farms, community food education, connecting food pantries and soup kitchens with locally grown food, their policy and advocacy program ‘Food Justice’, and training AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers. 6. http://www.worldwatch.org/node/5900 This article is about the rising popularity of raising backyard chickens in urban environments. 7. http://marigallagher.com/site_media/dynamic/project_files/ ChicagoFoodDesProg2009a.pdf. This report by the Mari Gallagher research and consulting group provides an in-depth look at Chicago’s food deserts and compares the changes in these food deserts since 2006. The report states that the desert has been reduced by 1.4 miles since 2006, benefiting 24,000 people, although it is still very large. The report includes maps and statistical comparisons of the 2006 and 2009 data. 8. http://ers.usda.gov/FoodAtlas/ This is the website for the USDA Food Atlas. The atlas was created to assemble statistics on food environment indicators to stimulate research on the determinants of food choices and diet quality, and to provide a spatial overview of a community’s ability to access healthy food and its success in doing so. Food Bank 1. http://friendlyinn.org/ Friendly Inn Settlement, Inc. at 2382 Unwin Road.
Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
40
2. (http://www.uws.org/community/programs/AgencyDetail.asp?AgencyId=1504) a short agency detail by the United Way of Greater Cleveland about the Friendly Inn. Contact info for Friendly Inn executive director Geraldine Burns also provided. 3. http://74.125.95.132/search?q=cache:xIHY3n0Ea1EJ:www.foodbanknyc.org/index.cfm %3Fobjectid%3D9DA25521-3048-651A-20305247F65FECBB+The+Need+for +Nutrition+in+Food+Banks&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=firefox-a. This report by the Food Bank for New York City discusses the high incidence of dietary-related illnesses in the populations that rely on food banks and the need to take nutrition into consideration when acquiring and distributing food through food banks. a. “The Food Bank’s 2007 Hunger Safety Net report showed that 87% of all programs distribute fresh fruits and vegetables and 27% of the programs offer nutrition counseling for clients.” b. “According to a nationwide study of the affordability of fruits and vegetables, a lowincome family would have to devote 43% to 70% of their food budget to fruits and vegetables to meet the government recommendations.” c. “Rather than providing more inexpensive, nutrient-poor foods, the Food Bank encourages emergency feeding programs to focus on foods that are either not affordable or not accessible in the community to best meet the needs of the clients.” School Health Issues 1. http://www.ode.state.oh.us/gd/templates/pages/ODE/ODEGoogleSearch.aspx? page=221&query=healthier%20schools%20guideline%205&start=0&OriginatingURL=/ gd/templates/pages/ODE/ODEGoogleSearch.aspx?Page=221. Click on first link for the PDF. This report called “Evidence-based Practices to Jump Start Ohio School Wellness Programs” from the Ohio Department of Education provides a list of example programs that have successfully been used to increase children’s physical activity at recess and in P.E. class. The report also includes a list of links to other organizations and programs aimed at increasing children’s health and physical activity. 2. http://www.akron.com/pages.asp?aID=3155 This article from Akron’s West Side Leader emphasizes the importance of recess time and discusses how schools are being pressured by Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
41
achievement tests to devote recess time to studying. “Brian Poe, assistant superintendent of Copley-Fairlawn City Schools, said there are no state guidelines governing recess and the district doesn’t have a written policy.” 3. http://www.rwjf.org/childhoodobesity/digest.jsp?id=25683This article from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation talks about the Healthier Choices for Healthier Children bill and what steps will be taken if the bill (which was introduced last November) passes. “The bill calls for schools to provide 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day, not including recess; increases the physical education (P.E.) requirement for high school students starting in fall 2010; requires school districts to provide P.E. report cards; and requires P.E. teachers to be certified or licensed by 2014.” 4. http://www.healthychoiceshealthychildren.org/ This link is to Healthy Choices for Healthy Children which is a coalition of organizations dedicated to preventing and decreasing childhood obesity in Ohio. The website includes links and info on member organizations, info regarding the Healthier Choices for Healthier Children legislation, and resources that support the cause for taking steps towards making school a healthier and more active environment for children. 5. http://education.ohio.gov/GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/ODEDetail.aspx? Page=3&TopicRelationID=1690&Content=79827 This link is to a “Frequently Asked Questions” page regarding the ODE Physical Education graduation requirements. 6. http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/25/play-then-eat-shift-may-bring-gains-atschool/. NY Times article regarding possible advantages of moving recess before lunch, including less food waste, less illness, and better behavior on the part of the students. 7. http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/weightloss/2010-01-20-michelle-obamaobesity_N.htm. USA Today article about Michelle Obama’s initiative “To put in place common-sense initiatives and solutions that empower families and communities to make healthy decisions for their kids." a. “The initiative will involve the federal government working with local officials and leaders in the business and non-profit sectors, she said, to provide more nutritious food in schools, allow more opportunities for kids to be physically active and give more communities access to affordable, healthful food.” Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
42
b. “They're tight on money and time, she said. Their communities lack markets that sell fresh produce. The physical-education and recreation programs have been cut back at their schools.” 8. http://letsmove.gov/ Website for Michelle Obama’s childhood obesity initiative called “Let’s Move”. It provides information for parents about making healthy choices for their children, making schools a healthier environment, and encouraging children to engage in more physical activity. This website also addresses the issue of food deserts and a new program – the Healthy Food Financing Initiative -- a partnership between the U.S. Departments of Treasury, Agriculture and Health and Human Services which will invest $400 million a year to provide innovative financing to bring grocery stores to underserved areas and help places such as convenience stores and bodegas carry healthier food options. Street Safety & Crime 1. http://www.frbsf.org/cpreport/docs/cleveland_oh.pdf 2.http://www.cleveland.com/datacentral/index.ssf/2009/01/ northeast_ohio_homicides.html 3. http://spotcrime.com/oh/cleveland/leemiles Bans to Promote Healthy Living 1. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30352252/ Article on the NYC proposed salt ban, health issues related to sodium intake, and a successful British initiative to reduce sodium in foods. 2. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16051436/ NYC ban on Trans fats. Obesity http://www.aacorn.org/index.html. Welcome to AACORN (African American Collaborative Obesity Research Network). AACORN is a collaboration of U.S. researchers, scholars-intraining, and community-based research partners, dedicated to improving the quality and quantity of research to address weight related health issues in African American communities. Research interests include healthful eating and physical activity, prevention of weight gain, and weight loss and maintenance. AACORN addresses these issues in the contexts of social and Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
43
family interactions and other aspects of day-to-day life in African American communities. This website is a portal for information related to research and programs relevant to AACORN's interest areas. The site also serves as a communications hub for AACORN members and other colleagues who have similar interests.
Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
44
Policy Recommendations Policy Matters Ohio
Federal Policy •Encourage convenience stores to stock produce •Explore use of federal “healthy food financing initiative” •Provide healthy school breakfast, school lunch and school milk •Enact a soda tax, use all proceeds for health education and treatment of obesity-related issues •Enact a fast food tax, provide similar limits on use of proceeds •Require better food labeling •The Let’s Move campaign PSAs are an important first step •Require PSAs on all stations encouraging turning off the TV and getting exercise (they are public airways) •Consider an hourly requirement that all radio stations spend ten minutes interrupting programming to encourage exercise State Policy •Support community supported agriculture •Develop farmer's markets •Publicly fund a “veggie mobile” as in state of NY (http://bit.ly/buDkOQ) •Connect food pantries with fresh produce from Ohio farms •Consider (with caution) policies to attract grocery stores •Provide healthy school breakfast, school lunch and school milk Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
45
•Enact a soda tax, use all proceeds for health education and treatment of obesity-related issues •Enact a fast food tax, provide similar limits on use of proceeds •Provide adequate public transit, including community circulators to stores with fresh produce •Require PE three times per week that stresses the importance of and build the habits for lifelong physical activity •Ensure good street lighting •Put in place traffic calming City Policy •Publicly fund a “veggie mobile” as in state of NY (http://bit.ly/buDkOQ) •Establish community gardens (must consider soil quality and lead issues) •Provide adequate policing •Employ crossing guards during school arrival and dismissal (may already be adequate) •Require fast food and other unhealthy restaurants to be at least ¾ mile from schools •Provide access to recreational facilities •Encourage walking and community walk programs •Provide community playgrounds •Provide community pools with adequate lifeguarding •Fund staff at community playgrounds to supervise, keep safe, and encourage games •Require PE three times per week that stresses the importance of and build the habits for lifelong physical activity School Board or Building level Policy •Provide healthy school breakfast, school lunch and school milk
Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
46
•Eliminate soda and sweetened drinks on school properties •Limit desserts in schools •Eliminate vending machines on school property •Provide quality nutrition education in and out of schools, focused on eating well on a budget •Require daily outdoor recess in most weather, indoor gym recess in bad inclement weather •Require PE three times per week that stresses the importance of and build the habits for lifelong physical activity •Provide good exercise education in schools Individual School Buildings •Allow community after school access to PE facilities •Encourage jump rope, walking and running clubs after school Policy for Private Organizations •Encourage convenience stores to stock produce •Require fast food and other unhealthy restaurants to be at least ¾ mile from schools •Require better food labeling •Provide signs encouraging stair use •Eliminate unhealthy vending machines in community centers and other buildings
Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
47
2011 Strategic Plan WARD 1 Community Health Initiative “The choices we make are shaped by the choices we have. Individual behaviors – smoking, diet, drinking, and exercise – matter for health. But making healthy choices isn’t just about self discipline. Some neighborhoods have easy access to fresh, affordable produce; others have only fast food joints, liquor and convenience stores. Some have nice homes, clean parks, safe places to walk, jog, bike or play, and well-financed schools offering gym, art, music, and after-school programs, and some don’t.” Ward 1 Community Health Initiative
48