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"The Pioneering Healthier Communities' team-based approach allowscommunities to provide a cohesive response to the lifestyle challenges facingour nation," said Neil Nicoll, president and chief executive officer, YMCA ofthe USA. "By connecting the leaders who can affect change, communities arehelping to make healthy behaviors an easier choice, not just the healthierchoice. These improved opportunities for active living and healthy eating arelaying a foundation to help reduce the risk of chronic diseases that havetaken such a serious toll on Americans."
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"The high rates of chronic disease and obesity cannot be solved by aone-size fits all approach," said Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), honorary chair ofthe Pioneering Healthier Communities project. "The YMCA's PioneeringHealthier Communities initiative lets each community decide how to bestaddress the issue so that it results in maximum impact. By bringing togetherthe people in each community who can really make things happen, there is areal chance for success in seeing positive results. I'm so pleased to see PHCcontinue to expand as it sees success in many of its communities."
2007 Pioneering Healthier Communities
YMCAs in 18 communities across the country are convening local leadersthis year to respond to public health challenges: San Francisco, CA, ColoradoSprings, CO; Longmont, CO; Rockford, IL; Hockomock Region, MA; Ann Arbor, MI;Battle Creek, MI; Itasca County, MN; Asheville Area, North Carolina; Fargo, NDand Moorhead, MN; Omaha, NE; Woodbridge, NJ; New York, NY; Providence, RI;Chesterfield/Darlington/Hartsville, SC; La Crosse, WI; Marysville, WA; andSpokane, WA.
Early Community Successes
Thirteen communities were announced to lead this project for the firstyear (2004). In 2005, 20 communities were initiated, and another 13 in 2006.Their ongoing efforts are focused on various local challenges ranging fromdevising ways to excite youth and older adults about physical activity,strengthening kids' emotional well-being and improving school nutrition toenhancing the environment to allow for more opportunities for exercise andaccess to healthy foods, and influencing relevant public policy.
What's Next for the 2007 Pioneering Healthier Communities
Following the model of the 2004, 2005 and 2006 communities, YMCAs in thesenew 18 communities will compose a team consisting of 10 local leaders,including elected officials, state and local directors of public healthorganizations, business leaders from various industries, and leaders of localschools, parks and recreation departments and hospitals. These teams willconvene at the Activate America: Pioneering Healthier Communities nationalconference Dec. 5-7 in Washington, D.C. This fourth-annual conference willfocus on educating these community leaders about strategies and models forbringing about community solutions that have been replicated nationwide. Atthe conference, attendees learn about evidence-based approaches to affectingchange from nationally known experts. In the past, experts have included Dr.Julie Gerberding, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;Sally Squires of The Washington Post, author of "The Lean Plate Club;" MarkFenton, contributing editor
