SUCCESS STORIES 2016
September 2017
Dear Colleagues, Stakeholders and Public Health Partners,
It is my pleasure to share with you the 2016 Creating Healthy Communities (CHC) Success Stories. Funded by the Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), CHC is working to increase opportunities for physical activity, improve access and affordability of healthy food, and assure tobacco-free living for all Ohioans.
CHC coordinators in 23 counties across the state have activated and engaged local stakeholders through coalitions to accomplish objectives and ensure sustainability. Examples of this work include healthy small food retail, bike infrastructure improvements, and adoption of tobacco free public places. In 2016, the CHC program impacted more than 700,000 Ohioans and leveraged more than $4 million to support these sustainable changes. Included in this booklet, you will find information about our statewide initiatives as well as success stories from each of our funded counties. We hope you enjoy reading about how CHC is making the healthier choice the easier choice where Ohioans live, work, and play.
Thank you for your continued support of the CHC program.
Program Manager: Ashley Sweeny Davis, MA, RD, LD
Program Consultants: Sarah Ginnetti, RD, LD Julia Hansel, RD, LD Caitlin Harley Bridgette McCullough, MPH, RD, LD Jan Meyer, CFCS
Website: www.odh.ohio.gov/chc
i Vision: Making the Healthy Choice the Easy Choice
Mission: Creating Healthy Communities (CHC) is committed to preventing and reducing chronic disease statewide. Through cross-sector collaboration, we are activating communities to improve access to and affordability of healthy food, increase opportunities for physical activity, and assure tobacco-free living where Ohioans live, work and play. By implementing sustainable evidence-based strategies, CHC is creating a culture of health.
ii Table of Contents
State Level Training and Technical Assistance 2 Healthy Eating Initiative 4 Active Living Initiatives 6
Local Level Program Impact 8
County Success Stories Adams County 10 Allen County 12 Athens County 14 City of Cincinnati 16 Clark County 18 Columbus City 20 Cuyahoga County 22 Delaware County 24 Knox County 26 Licking County 28 Lorain County 30 Lucas County 32 Marion County 34 Meigs County 36 Montgomery County 38 Perry County 40 Richland County 42 Sandusky County 44 Stark County 46 Summit County 48 Trumbull County 50 Union County 52 Washington County 54
1 Statewide Training and Technical Assistance
All-Project Meetings
CHC hosted three in-person meetings in 2016 to provide training on evidence- based strategies and facilitate peer to peer networking.
March Topics July Topics November Topics
Community engagement; Aligning state and Health equity; Disability and health; local plans; Developing an elevator speech Experiential education Identification and assessment (walk audit/bike rides) of inclusion
Monthly Webinars
Webinars were hosted monthly to highlight local progress, hear from subject matter experts and provide updates on statewide initiatives. Topics from 2016 included: coalition building and maintenance, community engagement, disability in health, program evaluation, early childhood obesity prevention, and measuring impact, and more!
2 Quarterly Site Visits CHC program consultants visit each county to provide one-on-one technical assistance to local CHC coordinators. Site visits also include attending local coalition meetings, community tours and project kick-off events.
Community Commons
The CHC Program utilizes an online, peer-to-peer networking “hub” on the Community Commons website. The hub allows for resource sharing, forum discussions, and collaborative document development for local coordinators and state staff.
3 Statewide Healthy Eating Initatives
Good Food Here
Good Food Here (GFH) is a statewide initiative that was developed to make it easy for consumers to recognize and purchase healthy foods. In Ohio, GFH is making its way into grocery and corner stores, vending, concessions, cafeterias, and food pantries.
Healthy Food Retail
In 2016, strides were taken to increase the amount of resources and technical assistance available for healthy food retail strategies. Quarterly networking calls were held to discuss topics such as resident engagement, store recruitment, and distribution. Network members formed a working group to help develop the GFH Coordinator Guide, revise the Store Owner Guide, and expanded marketing materials to include a variety of healthy food items (see below). As of 2016, the Ohio Healthy Food Retail Network has established 80 small healthy food retail establishments in 12 counties across the state.
4 Food and Beverage Guidelines Healthy Food Retail A second working group was established in 2016 to develop a Network Partners toolkit and supportive materials for adopting food and beverage • CHC Local Grantees guidelines. This toolkit is designed for worksites and community • Communities Preventing organizations that are looking to make changes to create a Chronic Disease (CPCD) Local healthier food environment. Included is guidance on customer Grantees buy-in, nutrition standards adopted from the American Heart • United Way of Central Ohio Association, sustainability considerations, evaluation tools and • Live Well Toledo marketing suggestions. • Activate Allen County • Case Western Reserve University Prevention Research Center Brand Expansion • The Food Trust In addition to the marketing materials created for small retail stores, the GFH brand was expanded to promote efforts in worksites, community organizations, food pantries and retail checkout lanes (see Food and Beverage examples below). Guidelines Partners • CPCD Local Grantees • American Heart Association • Ohio State University (OSU) Extension • OSU Health Promotion and Wellness • Ohio Business Enterprise Program • Columbus Public Health • Ohio State Agency Wellness Ambassadors • West Central Ohio Regional Water First for Thirst Health Care Alliance
Water First for Thirst is a statewide campaign to educate Ohioans about why water should be the first beverage of choice. Originally developed Other State Healthy by Columbus Public Health, Water First for Thirst provides tools that Eating Initiatives empower communities to make more informed choices about their • Ohio Nutrition Incentive beverages. Network
• Ohio Food Policy Network • Building Capacity for Obesity Prevention
Work@Health
In 2016, CHC staff trained 18 worksites in the CDC’s Work@Health Program. Employers learned how to develop or improve their worksite wellness programs through science- based strategies that principally address chronic health conditions.
Following the training, technical assistance was provided on strategies to improve nutrition and physical activity opportunities for employees.
5 Statewide Active Living Initiatives
Active Transportation
Active transportation has been a key component of CHC’s work to increase physical activity. CHC staff have partnered with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to co-lead the Ohio Active Transportation Team, facilitating quarterly webinars and spearheading the implementation of the Active Transportation Plan (AT Plan).
Complete Streets
Complete Streets policies ensure that all road users – no matter age, income or ability – are considered in the design, construction and maintenance of roadways. In the fall of 2016, CHC hosted five regional complete streets workshops in Marietta, Nelsonville, Mansfield, Lima and Marion to support policy development in urban, suburban and rural communities. During the process, 12 champions participated in a complete streets train-the-trainer process to sustain on-going technical assistance around complete streets policy development.
Active Commute
In 2016, 10 state agencies were engaged in an initiative to support active commuting, such as walking, biking or taking public transit. With support from agency Wellness Ambassadors, these worksites are making it easier for more than 4,000 employees to incorporate physical activity into their daily routine.
Technical assistance and resources to support active commute strategies also increased in 2016. The Ohio Active Commute Toolkit was developed to aid worksites in conducting assessments, gaining leadership buy-in, adopting policies, making infrastructure changes, educating employees, and evaluating their efforts.
6 Ohio Active Transportation Emphasis Area Team • ODH Creating Healthy Communities • ODOT Offices of Safety, Transit, and Statewide Planning & Research • Ohio Department of Education • Ohio Association of Regional Governments Your Move Ohio • Ohio Alliance of YMCAs
In September and October of 2016, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and ODOT piloted a safety • SRTS National Partnership and education campaign around active transportation. As part of the AT Plan, this campaign focused • Yay! Bikes on two goals: decrease injury and fatality; and increase the number of people choosing active forms of transportation. • Ohio Bicycle Federation • Columbus Public Health The Your Move campaign was piloted in five Ohio communities: Mansfield, Nelsonville, Akron, Columbus and Massillon. The pilot consisted of print media, social media and “experiential education”, • Bay Village Bicycle Coop which teaches residents how to replace car trips with bike trips through on-road training. Ten ride • Cleveland Safe Routes to School leaders were trained to conduct experiential education rides in their community. • Bike Miami Valley • …and many more!
Active Transportation by the Numbers 4 # of Cross Sector Dialogues/Town Hall Meetings 5 # of local complete streets workshops 6 # of weeks Your Move was piloted in 5 communities 11 # of Complete Streets Trainers trained $2 Million leveraged for active transportation projects 8 Professional Development Rides in CHC/CPCD communities
Shared Use
Making facilities, such as school playgrounds, more accessible to the public is an evidenced-based strategy to increase physical activity. CHC developed a toolkit with a variety of resources to support the establishment of shared use agreements and open use policies. Examples include fact sheets, sample agreements, and a presenter’s guide with instructions on developing agreements and policies from starting the conversation through implementation.
7 2016 Local Impact
CO AC FR B E O E
T
Healthy Small Bike Infrastructure Smoke Free 16 Food Retail 39 Improvements 23 Open Spaces
Community Parks or Smoke Free Multi 14 Gardens 24 Playgrounds 11 Unit Housing
Farmers’ Markets now Tobacco Free 10 accept EBT and/or WIC 7 Multi Use Trails 5 School Districts
New Farmers’ Safe Routes to Tobacco Free College/ 8 Markets 9 School Projects 3 Technical Schools
SNAP Incentive Programs Smoke Free 7 at Farmers’ Markets 4 Shared Use Agreements 4 Worksite Policies
4 Food and Beverage Active Transportation Discouragement Guideline Policies 4 Campaign 2 of Tobacco Sales
4 Food Pantries Public Transit 2 Improvements
4 Water Fountains
Healthy Eating Active Living Tobacco 249,228 288,130 181,888
Ohioans Impacted: 719,246
8 2016 Success Stories
9 Adams County Adams County Youth Benefit From Summer REC Program
Summary Challenge epidemic, leaders and organizations were called upon and recruited throughout Through the efforts of multiple Childhood obesity is one of most the county to find a solution to this local community and health leaders, Adams important public health issues in Ohio, health epidemic. County youth now have the opportunity with more than 30 percent of children to be physically active and receive healthy and adolescents classified as overweight meals throughout the summer months. or obese. Adams County has even higher Solution Adams County, a rural Appalachian childhood overweight and obesity rates. community, has one of the highest rates According to a 2011 report from the In 2015, a group of community and of childhood obesity in Ohio. Thanks Ohio Department of Health, childhood health leaders came together to look to the Creating Healthy Communities obesity in Adams County increased from at the many factors that can influence Program and many generous donors, 31.0 percent in 2004 to a staggering 48.8 children’s health in Adams County. the free summer Respect, Education, and percent by 2010. Additionally, the 2016 Thanks to funding from the Creating Character (REC) program was established County Health Rankings & Roadmaps Healthy Communities Program, and more in 2015. The program provided structured report showed Adams County ranking in than $80,000.00 in additional funding recreation, healthy meals and snacks, the bottom three of 88 counties in overall leveraged from community partners, a and education on healthy habits to more health factors and health outcomes. The free summer REC program was launched. than 150 children in both 2015 and 2016. health and emotional consequences of Transportation to and from the summer Thanks to an anonymous donation, the obesity can greatly affect a child’s ability REC program site was provided, where REC program will continue to provide to be academically successful in school, all participants engaged in structured healthy food and recreation opportunities and efforts to reverse the consequences physical activity, received a healthy to Adams County children for many years from these alarming statistics must be breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack and to come. available to our children. To address this water as the first choice for drinking.
10 Children also received a multitude of Sustaining Success educational opportunities that addressed healthy habits they could use to improve In 2016, the summer REC program added their overall health and well-being, a community playground renovation including cooking classes and fitness project to the program. Children helped evaluations. to restore two swing sets, five basketball hoops, and a set of teeter totters that had not been in use for more than 15 Results years. The space will now be available for use by children and their families in In 2015, 187 children, ages 8-16, the community. In 2016, the program registered for the eight-week program, also received an anonymous donation with an average daily attendance of 124 by a private benefactor who felt its (66 percent). In 2016, 165 children, ages sustainability was essential to improving 8-14, registered for the six-week program, the overall health of the children of with an average daily attendance of 90 Adams County. (54.5 percent).
An evaluation of the program showed Your Involvement is Key an overwhelmingly positive response, yielding 90 percent student approval and Community members, schools, business 80 percent parent/guardian approval leaders and healthcare providers can in 2015. In 2016, responses were quite work together to address the social and similar, with a 95 percent student and 99 environmental factors that contribute to percent parent/guardian approval. The childhood obesity. When these leaders summer REC program has proven itself to come together to provide opportunities be a valued addition to children and their to increase accessibility to healthy families in Adams County. food and recreational opportunities, all children will benefit in the battle against childhood obesity. We have received overwhelming support of the summer “I feel anytime we REC program thus far, but continued can provide a safe community support is essential. environment and enriching activities for our youth, it is worthwhile.”
—Sue Fulton, Director, Adams County Job & Family Services Contact: Debbie Ryan Adams County CHC Program 937-217-4287 [email protected]
11 Allen County Safer Routes to School Gets Kids Moving
Summary friendly activity and creating a safer area grounds, and support multiple forms around the school. of transportation, such as walking, For many students in the Spencerville biking, skating (in-line, skateboarding), School District, there is a lack of safe or wheelchairs to the school buildings. routes that allow active transportation Challenge Other strategies in the SRTS plan (walking, biking, skating) to school. In were implemented to improve safety 2012, the school district developed The Spencerville School District buildings and connectivity, encouraging active a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Travel sit on the eastern edge of Spencerville, transportation among students at Plan and applied for SRTS funding. just off the state route. Many parents, the school. For example, educational The village received funding that patrons, and stakeholders in the school resources were provided to the school allowed the first project of the travel district share concerns about the limited teachers through the CHC program. plan to be completed in 2016 bringing safe travel options for students due to The physical education teacher used infrastructure changes to the village. the lack of sidewalks, inadequate lighting, these resources to educate students Thanks to collaboration between the and limited identifiable crosswalks. As a on walking/biking safety and took the Creating Healthy Communities (CHC) result, there is minimal encouragement students on a visit to the shared-use Program, the Village of Spencerville, the for children to walk or bike to school. path. Adding signage to the shared-use Spencerville School District, and other path helped students and the public community partnerships, the students identify the location of the safest route and families of the school district have Solution for students to travel to and from school. a safer route to walk or bike to school. Additionally, bike racks were provided Along with increased physical activity, The Village of Spencerville used SRTS to the school by CHC to supplement the students can develop a sense of funding to extend sidewalks along existing racks that were often full when freedom, responsibility and safety all 2nd Street, connect sidewalks with the weather is nice. while supporting an environmentally the shared-use path on the school
12 12 Results Sustaining Success
The new sidewalks provide a safe route The Safe Routes Committee of for students to access the school grounds Spencerville will continue to address the from one of the main areas of Spencerville. additional recommended strategies for More than 650 students now have a way proposed projects in the School Travel to get to school other than a vehicle. The Plan as funds become available. The sidewalks also provide students, families school district will continue to promote and village residents with access to the walking/biking safety with their students shared-use path for weekend recreation using the resource materials provided and use as a safer route to the nearby and continue to provide community library. Updated signage at pedestrian activities, such as Walk/Bike to School crosswalks has greatly improved safety Day so students have the opportunity as well, allowing parents to feel more to actively travel to and from school. The comfortable letting their children walk/ CHC program will continue to promote bike to school. Incorporating safety lessons active transportation in the Village of into the school curriculum assures that Spencerville in 2017 by offering bike students will continue to be encouraged racks to businesses and community to walk/bike to school. More than 250 organizations interested in providing students participated in Spencerville’s secure bike parking and promoting Walk/Bike to School Day in 2016. The physical activity to their employees. event will continue twice a year, once in May with Bike to School Day and once in October with Walk to School Day. Your Involvement is Key
The SRTS project is a collective “As a mom, I take my community effort. As a parent, help kids on bike rides to the encourage your children to walk or bike school from our house to to school, volunteer to walk with a group of students or be present at crossing play on the playground, locations to increase safety for active visit their dad at football transportation. As a community member, practice, or even to head watch your speed when driving in school out to the library. We zones and keep an eye out for children walking/biking to school. use the sidewalks to ride our bikes or walk. It’s a For more information on ways to support straight shot for us and active transportation in Spencerville, there’s very little traffic. including the SRTS project, contact The kids quickly learned the Allen County Creating Healthy Communities Program. the path and I could see them doing this by Contact: themselves when they Shelly Miller are older.” Allen County Public Health 419-228-4457 — Brooke Zerbe, [email protected] K-8 Guidance Counselor, Spencerville Local Schools
13 13 Athens County Building Safe Places to Play with Local Partnerships
Summary Challenge for play. With quotes from playground companies estimating more than $65,000 The Athens City-County Health In Athens County 40.4 percent of third to fix and update the park, township Department, with support of the Creating graders were overweight or obese officials had to look elsewhere. Through Healthy Communities (CHC) grant, and from 2009-2010 according to the Ohio partnership and collaboration with CHC, Rome Township Trustees collaborated to Department of Health’s Report on the a solution was proposed. create a plan to give the Savannah Park Body Mass Index of Ohio’s Third Graders. in Guysville, Ohio a much needed update Studies show that overweight and and safety overhaul. This project aims to obese children are at a significantly Solution create a safe and healthy environment increased risk of diabetes, hypertension, for local children and adults to have a asthma and stroke. Childhood obesity Communities play a vital role in the place to be active in their community. can profoundly affect children’s physical health and well-being of all people. With In collaboration with township trustees, health, social, and emotional well-being help from community partners, funding the Athens County Creating Healthy and self-esteem. It is also associated with and time were leveraged to make this Communities program rejuvenated the poor academic performance and a lower project a success. CHC worked with the playground at Savannah Park by replacing quality of life experienced by the child. township fiscal officer to review a recent broken and worn out playground Evidence shows that physical activity risk assessment done on the park, where equipment to promote physical activity helps reduce obesity and risk factors for many safety issues and violations were among neighborhood children. chronic disease. After the Ohio Township found. With funding from CHC, equipment Association Risk Management Authority was purchased, such as rubber mulch (OTARMA) conducted a visit to Savannah and other materials needed to resurface Park, the park was deemed not safe the park, new swings, hardware, safety
14 mats, and new basketball rims and nets. Sustaining Success Lowe’s volunteered time to remove unsafe playground equipment, paint the swing The success of this project was due to the sets and fill cracks on the basketball court. excellent participation and collaboration Through a contract with Hocking College, from those involved. The Rome Township the park was able to be resurfaced. Trustees are very proud of this park and are committed to keeping it a maintained and safe place for local residents. The Results Athens Creating Healthy Communities Coalition will continue to create With all these improvements to the park, partnerships like the ones seen in this it is now a safe place for community story, to create more ways and safe places members to visit and play. In September for the residents of Athens County to be 2016 with help from Lowe’s and Hocking physically active. College, the park was resurfaced, unsafe equipment was removed, swing sets were repainted and cracks on the Your Involvement is Key basketball court were filled. A project expected to cost $65,000, that a single Join the CHC Coalition to help with township couldn’t achieve, ended up similar efforts by contacting Athens being accomplished with more than 15 City-County Health Department. Show hours of donated time and resources appreciation for your local park and visit from partners. Work continues to it often. This will show your community take place to replace the rusty, unsafe the importance of keeping the space well hardware in the park. Springtime will maintained and safe for all community bring many new park visitors. members to use.
“Our park had a lot of issues and we didn’t have the resources to fix them. I’m pleased we were able to create a partnership with the Health Department, Hocking College & Lowes to make this park go from an unsafe place to play, to a safe one. It was a great process to Contact: see unfold.” Kari Boyle Athens City-County Health Department — Willard Dunfee, 740-792-4431 ext. 226 Rome Township Fiscal Officer [email protected]
15 Cincinnati Winton Hills Residents Connect with Trails
Summary Residents often have to travel out of trail group, Groundwork Cincinnati, the community on a regular basis for to explore trail options. Groundwork The Winton Hills Community in Cincinnati jobs, food, health care, schools, and Cincinnati is currently building the Mill was in need of improved access to recreation. The community has a low Creek Trail, which will run less than one transportation, recreation opportunities rate of car ownership, only 15 percent of mile from Winton Hills and eventually and healthy food. With a low rate of car residents own a car according to the U.S. connect to a loop trail, allowing for travel ownership in the community, residents Census. Cost, scheduling, and access to all around the city. The neighborhood had to explore alternative methods for important stops and routes are barriers council hired a Community Captain, safe passage out of the community. A for many residents making transit options Dazree Williams, to engage community wooded trail that took commuters off not ideal. Sidewalks and bike lanes, members and get feedback on creating of busy, high-traffic roads and directly where they exist, are often impassible a trail project that would create a to their desired destinations was just or perceived as unsafe due to the high connection between the isolated the answer. Thanks to Community traffic volume on nearby streets. This has community, public transit stops, the Captain, Dazree Williams, the trail is being left many residents feeling stuck in the grocery store and the Mill Creek Trail. designed with the community in mind. neighborhood.
Results Challenge Solution Williams excelled at her role as The 4,787 residents of Winton Hills The Winton Hills Neighborhood Community Captain and gained feedback are geographically isolated and are Council partnered with the Cincinnati from her neighbors and their children keenly aware of the transportation and Health Department’s Creating Healthy about the idea of a trail that would lead access challenges they face every day. Communities (CHC) program and local out of the community and improve
16 access to bus stops serving desired Sustaining Success routes, local businesses and recreation areas. Community members rallied The completion of this project will around a wooded trail that had fallen include a professional set of design plans into disrepair, but offered a direct route that the community can use to procure to desired locations. Williams also led funding for the building phase of the trail countless walks around the trail and project. The large base of community shared her vision for improvements. A support for the project will help to survey of participants showed that not ensure the project is not forgotten before only did residents feel like they had a say funding is secured. Additionally, the in the trail design, making them more community hopes to take on even more likely to use it, all of the neighbors also community improvement projects and said that they would like to continue to continue the growth and revitalization of participate in community projects in the their neighborhood. future.
Your Involvement is Key “The trail has brought a sense of warmth to If you would like to get involved with the Winton Hills Trail Project please contact children of Winton the Winton Hills Community Council at Hills, collectively [email protected] or Ellen Berninger giving them the with the Creating Healthy Communities Program. sense that anything is possible, and they were to connect to long missed friends, family and a lost and hidden treasure history of the community.”
— Dazree Williams, Community Captain
Contact: Ellen Berninger Cincinnati Health Department 513-357-7256 [email protected]
17 Clark County New Carlisle Creates Tobacco-Free Zones in Parks
Summary a 2.5 mile paved bike trail. The parks and Results trail are the only free outlet for physical To combat the hazards that smoking activity. In June 2016, a litter clean-up New Carlisle made significant progress poses to community members and the project was conducted in Smith Park. The in its goal of becoming a healthier city. environment, the City of New Carlisle clean-up revealed more than 70 pieces Smoke-free zones have been created partnered with the Creating Healthy of tobacco-related litter in the park. in all playgrounds, concession and Communities (CHC) Program at the Tobacco-related litter is a danger to the spectator areas, recreational facilities, Clark County Combined Health District environment, children and pets. Exposure swimming pools, open-air shelters, and to create smoke-free zones throughout to secondhand smoke can contribute to event venues. Smoke-free signage has city parks and recreational areas. This many long-term health issues. been placed in all designated areas and environmental change provides healthy includes the city ordinance number. In spaces that are free of tobacco litter, with October, another round of litter clean-up clean air. Solution was conducted. This effort yielded very little evidence of smoking activity, with The City of New Carlisle has implemented only six cigarette butts and six other Challenge an ordinance prohibiting smoking within tobacco-related materials. Creating 20 feet of all playgrounds, concession increased awareness of tobacco use The current smoking rate in Clark County and spectator areas, recreational facilities, and the effect of secondhand smoke is 20 percent. The City of New Carlisle bathrooms, swimming pools, open-air on people as well as the environment is a rural community with a population shelters, and venues. All smoke-free areas was crucial to New Carlisle’s success in of about 5,730 people. Within the city are marked by signs. Smoke-free policies creating smoke-free zones in the city. there are many parks, recreational can help to change community norms as facilities, and event pavilions, as well as well as protect community members from litter and secondhand smoke.
18 Your Involvement is Key “We have noticed a Smoke-free parks, recreational facilities significant reduction in and green spaces are essential to a the amount of tobacco- healthy environment. You can help keep related waste as well the environment clean and healthy by as an increase in park coordinating a litter clean-up along a trail segment or in a local park and by living usage. The citizens are smoke-free. You can also help encourage noticing these changes smoke-free parks by educating residents and are sharing positive on the benefits of smoke-free public spaces. Join the Clark County Creating feedback with city Healthy Communities Coalition and learn officials.” more about how you can get directly involved with this important effort locally. — Randy Bridge, For more information on joining the City Manager of New Carlisle coalition, contact Elle Evans Peterson, Coordinator for the CHC program, at Clark County Combined Health District: [email protected] Sustaining Success
In the future, New Carlisle might consider extending its smoke-free zones to include entire parks. The Clark County CHC Program continues to inform residents about the benefits of smoke-free parks and promote compliance. It is New Carlisle’s hope that these shifts towards smoke-free living will continue to improve the health of its residents.
Contact: Elle Evans Peterson Clark County Combined Health District 937-390-5600 [email protected]
19 Columbus Homeport Supports Healthy Living through Smoke-Free Housing
Summary units. Unfortunately, almost half of MUH Solution residents with personal smoke-free home Smoking and tobacco use contribute rules still experience SHS infiltration in Homeport is a non-profit real estate significantly to chronic disease in the their homes. Because many residents in company focused on affordable housing, Linden, South Side, and Westside affordable housing are children, elderly, homebuyer education, foreclosure communities of Columbus. Residents or have a disability, they may experience prevention and financial counseling. It of affordable housing are more at risk more detrimental health effects due to provides rental and for-purchase homes, because of higher rates of smoking among SHS exposure (Stein, 2015)i. In addition to access to out-of-school programming, low-income populations and decreased residing in MUH, smoking and tobacco use service coordination for food and ability to move if affected by secondhand contribute significantly to chronic disease furniture, and connections to emergency smoke (SHS). Through a partnership in the Linden, South Side, and Westside assistance for rent and utilities. Homeport between Homeport and Columbus Public communities of Columbus. These areas partnered with Columbus Public Health in Health’s Creating Healthy Communities have the highest prevalence of smoking, developing and implementing a smoke- (CHC) Program, smoke-free policies have with 35 percent of adults currently smoking free policy for its properties. As part of their been implemented in all Homeport in the South Side, 34 percent in Linden and implementation plan, residents have a 90 properties throughout Columbus. 31 percent in the Westside, as compared day on-boarding process, which includes to 22 percent in Franklin County overall resident meetings where Columbus ii Challenge (CDC, BRFSS, 2011-2014) . Tobacco use is Public Health comes on site to explain the a contributing factor to 4 out of 5 leading importance of smoke-free living, answer According to the research article, Predictors causes of death in these communities, thus questions, address concerns, and link of Smoke-Free Policies in Affordable Multi-Unit people living in these areas are in need of residents to cessation services if needed. Housing, SHS exposure is of particular smoke-free housing policies and resources Homeport utilizes a warning and “three concern in multi-unit housing (MUH), to protect the most vulnerable population strikes” enforcement process before an where SHS can easily travel between from SHS in their homes. eviction is ever issued. Homeport social
20 workers are also available for residents Sustaining Success who need additional resources and support to quit smoking and adhere to the In November 2016, The Department of smoke-free policy. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released a ruling requiring all federally funded housing to go smoke-free. The Results ruling allows public housing authorities 18 months to implement smoke-free Homeport now has 16 properties that policies. The goal of the ruling is to ensure have successfully implemented the 100 that all public housing residents are percent smoke-free policy, impacting equally protected from SHS. more than 1500 single and multi-family Columbus CHC and its partners through homes. Specifically in Linden, South the Tobacco Free Collaborative, a Side and Westside, four properties have network of organizations, businesses, and implemented the smoke-free policy, individuals focused on building support impacting 196 housing units and more for tobacco prevention and control in than 470 residents. Rachel Eiland, a resident Columbus, will continue to provide of Homeport, is a former long-time smoker technical assistance to property owners, who had the upper portion of her left managers, and residents implementing lung removed following cancer. After smoke free housing policies in support of the adoption of the policy she said she the recent HUD ruling. could notice the air was cleaner and that Through partnerships and collaborations, she felt at ease knowing that she would CHC will support residents to successfully no longer be impacted by SHS while uphold the smoke free housing policies at home. Rachel is five years smoke free and avoid violations and eviction, by and cancer free; with the support of the providing tools and cessation resources. smoke-free policy, she plans to keep it that It is CHC’s goal to support all residents, way. The smoke-free policy also persuaded those who smoke and those who do not, Waymond Williams, a.k.a. “Friendly,” also a throughout the entire process by creating Homeport resident, to quit smoking “cold a supportive atmosphere that will protect turkey”, following 33 years of smoking. He health and improve lives. had a two pack a day habit and decided he was not going to let smoking get in his way of living in his home. Your Involvement is Key
Are you interested in getting involved with these initiatives or learning more “To see people embrace about the CHC program at Columbus the change has been Public Health? Would you like to join very encouraging... the Tobacco-Free Collaborative? Please It’s been more positive contact Amber Jones at acjones@ columbus.gov for more information. than negative. The iStein, Anna. “Predictors of Smoke-Free Policies smokers say, ‘Maybe in Affordable Multiunit Housing, North Carolina, 2013.” Center for Disease Control and Prevention. this is the time to stop.” May 14, 2015. https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/ Contact: issues/2015/14_0506.htm Amber Jones — Brenda Moncrief, iiBehavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Atlanta, Columbus Public Health Asset Management Service Georgia: U.S. Department of Health and Human 614-645-6055 Manager, Homeport Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [email protected] (CDC), 2011-2014. Analysis by Office of Epidemiology, Columbus Public Health.
21 Cuyahoga County New Grocery Store Provides Healthy Food and Jobs in Euclid
Summary the south side of the community. Many to the HFFO program to help cover people living in the area are people of in-store construction costs. The HFFO Thanks to the collaboration among color or seniors, have limited income, and program provides funding support to Simon’s Supermarket, the Creating lack transportation. For several years, the increase supermarkets in low-income Healthy Communities (CHC) Program, the CHC program has worked with residents communities across Ohio. Residents and City of Euclid, and the Healthy Food for to improve healthy food access, with leaders of the City of Euclid, including Ohio (HFFO) Program, residents in Euclid, the long term goal of opening a new Ward 3 City Councilperson Taneika Hill, Ohio have a new supermarket. Simon’s supermarket. In December 2015, the City and the CHC program worked together Supermarket, Simon Hussain’s third of Euclid Planning Department notified to develop local legislation to dedicate Cleveland area grocery store, is offering the CHC program that a commercial $125,000 to Simon’s Supermarket. From fresh, healthy foods at affordable prices in property had recently been purchased Euclid’s Housing and Urban Development a neighborhood once classified as a “food and the owner was interested in (HUD) storefront renovation program, the desert”. developing a full service supermarket. funding assisted Simon’s Supermarket The owner was facing unexpected costs with necessary exterior repairs. Prior to and needed additional financing in order the opening of Simon’s Supermarket, Challenge to implement the project. residents attended three community forums to share concerns and priorities More than 13,000 residents in Euclid with regards to food access. More than were living in a food desert, according Solution 100 people joined a Q&A forum and store to a 2012 analysis of food access in tour with the store owner. Cuyahoga County. The highest density The CHC program collaborated with of people living in a food desert in Euclid local residents, the City of Euclid, and were along the Euclid Avenue corridor in Hussain to submit an application
22 advertisements to promote special “Everyone should have sale prices and accepts many forms of payments including Supplemental access to healthy and Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP, fresh food for their which provides benefits to low-income families no matter their individuals and families. economic situation. Many of us take Sustaining Success something like eating Simon’s Supermarket opened for an apple or having business in December 2016 and will fresh carrots and corn host a grand opening celebration for the for granted. Fresh fruits community in early 2017. Mr. Hussain is very committed to a positive relationship and vegetables can with the community. Starting in January improve their physical of 2017, the store will be participating health, which can in the WIC program, which provides benefits to low-income women, infants, lower health care costs and children. Simon’s Supermarket will putting more money continue to offer weekly specials and back into their pockets. mail circular advertisements to neighbors within a two-mile radius, so that residents The people deserve it are able to take advantage of cost and I am glad to be part savings. Simon’s also offers free delivery of such a movement.” (minimum purchase required) which may be helpful to people who have mobility -Taneika Hill, Euclid City Council issues. The CHC program will assist with promotion of these services and continue to meet with Mr. Hussain and local community residents to support Simon’s Results achievement of long term success.
Simon’s Supermarket opened its 27,000 square foot renovated full- Your Involvement is Key service store in December 2016. The Mr. Hussain is committed to providing store received a $250,000 grant and Euclid residents with fresh foods $400,000 loan from the HFFO program, at affordable prices. Residents are and $125,000 from the City of Euclid‘s encouraged to support the store by storefront renovation program. The frequenting Simon’s and letting friends store employs approximately 60 people and family members know about it. Contact: – most of whom are residents from the Contact Roger Sikes if you would like Roger Sikes or Ann Stahlheber neighborhood. The newly renovated to get involved with healthy food Cuyahoga County Board of Health store boasts a 100 foot fresh produce access programming related to Simon’s 216-201-2001 section and 230 feet of cooler space Supermarket or other food access [email protected] for dairy, fresh meat and deli meats. initiatives in the area. [email protected] The store mails out weekly circular
Simon’s Supermarket 25831 Euclid Ave. Euclid, OH 44132
23 Delaware County Buckeye Valley Local School District is Walking Together to Connect the Community
Summary population is 61 percent overweight and/ Solution or obese. The obesity rate of Delaware The Buckeye Valley Local School District County 3rd graders was 25.7 percent The Buckeye Valley Middle and High (BVLSD) developed a walking path for according to a 2009-2010 BMI survey. In Schools share a campus in the district; students, teachers, families and residents Oxford Township only 75.9 percent of students in both schools use the grounds to encourage more physical activity. This adults get 30 minutes of physical activity for practice and games. The cross country half mile path includes four different a day compared to 87 percent in the team has stomped out the half mile fitness stations, benches and unique county. Increasing access to physical path around the practice fields behind scenery. The hope for this path is to unify activity is one strategy to help decrease the middle school and a local resident efforts and connect the district with the the prevalence of overweight and recently donated more than enough community. obesity. Additionally, the Buckeye Valley mulch to cover it. Through collaboration Local School District, which services with the Creating Healthy Communities residents in Oxford Township, covers a (CHC) program at the Delaware General Challenge 200 square mile catchment area across Health District (DGHD), work was the top half of Delaware County. This contracted and the path was completed Obesity continues to be a top health risk creates an interesting challenge when it in December 2016. in Delaware County. According to the comes to creating a sense of community 2013 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance in the district that lacks a central town to System, Delaware County’s adult call their own.
24 Additionally, the special education class “I want to thank the plans to take advantage of the path for therapy, exercise and the benefits of fresh BVLSD central office, air. the Delaware General Health District, and Sustaining Success Mike Kelley for their team effort to provide In the short term, the path will benefit a healthy resource students and families in the district by providing a space for physical activity. for the students and The middle school principal, Brian Baker, the Buckeye Valley and other school leaders hope that every community as well community member will see this as a resource to use and continue to support as for the citizens of the great efforts of the district. To ensure Delaware County.” continued growth and use of the newly developed path, communicating the — Brian Baker, availability of the path is the next project Principal at Buckeye Valley for the school system and the CHC Middle School program. Since the path was recently completed in December 2016, efforts will still need to be made to share this asset with the community, which will include a Results ribbon cutting ceremony in the spring.
The completion of the path has inspired many programs at the middle and high Your Involvement is Key schools to incorporate this resource into their curriculum. The physical education Many communities and school districts department is planning to utilize the are encouraging physical activity options path in their classes by walking and using for their residents. Get involved by the resistance training units. The path supporting your local community or is also now part of the cross country school districts efforts to increase physical team’s 3.1 mile competition course. The activity. You can strengthen efforts of middle school has utilized the path for ongoing projects to create a healthier their annual fundraiser, the Color Run, lifestyle in your community. Join the which helps students in 5th to 8th grade Delaware County CHC Coalition. raise money to attend the annual 8th grade trip to Washington, D.C. The soccer Courtesy of Buckeye Valley Middle School Landon Froehlich, 10 year old 5th grader at and baseball teams will also use the Buckeye Valley Middle School, quickly poses for path for training during their seasons. a photo during the Color Run Fundraiser on the path. Contact: Abbey Trimble Delaware General Health District 740-203-2037 [email protected]
25 Knox County Working Mothers Reap Benefits of Workplace Lactation Programs
Summary World Health Organization states that Solution breastfeeding appears to provide Collaboration between the Danville Local infants some level of protection against To support breastfeeding, the Danville School District and the Knox County overweight and obesity later in life. Data Local School District has adopted Health Department’s Creating Healthy from the CDC’s 2016 Breastfeeding Report a lactation policy and created a Communities (CHC) Program is providing Card shows that while breastfeeding rates lactation room where mothers can a supportive environment and policy- have continued to rise, many mothers are comfortably express and store breastmilk. driven program to enable breastfeeding not meeting the recommendations for Working with the Knox County Health employees to return to work with ease breastfeeding. The American Academy Department’s CHC Program, the school and reach their infant feeding goals. The of Pediatrics recommends exclusive renovated an existing staff bathroom program is helping to build a culture that breastfeeding for the first six months into a quiet and private room. Staff promotes breastfeeding, improves the and continued breastfeeding for at least are provided flexible break times and health of babies and moms and lays the 12 months. Employment can present information and resources to help them foundation for reducing obesity in Knox challenges to breastfeeding, with some balance breastfeeding with their job County. mothers returning to work as early as six responsibilities. As a result, mothers are weeks postpartum. Despite requirements modeling best feeding practices to other through the Fair Labor Standards Act for Challenge school families, thus building a culture employers to provide reasonable break that promotes breastfeeding as the norm time and a private place for an employee for Danville residents. Obesity continues to be a health to express breast milk, lower rates of concern for the residents of Knox County. continued breastfeeding suggest that According to the 2016 County Health many mothers still lack the breastfeeding Rankings, approximately 34 percent support that they need. of Knox County adults are obese. The
26 Sustaining Success “I plan to use the Women with children are the lactation room in fastest-growing segment of the the future. I love the work force, and balancing work and support to be both a family is an important priority for them. Implementation of lactation mom and a working support programs in the workplace woman at the same can encourage mothers to continue time!” breastfeeding once they return to work. The Knox County Health Department’s CHC Program will use the Danville Local — Danville Elementary School Teacher School District’s lactation policy as a model for other worksites throughout the county and encourage them to develop Results similar programs.
The Danville Local School District is Your Involvement is Key considered a community champion for working moms who are breastfeeding. • Help to build a workplace culture that The lactation room was put to use by two normalizes lactation support as an employees within just a couple months accepted part of work-life balance. of availability. Employee surveys show support for this policy and environmental • Gain knowledge of resources available change. One staff member stated that for breastfeeding moms within your they wished the room was available community. Share them with your co- when she had her children. Research workers who are expecting. shows that providing a lactation support • Communicate support for policies that program is not only highly desired by provide flexible breaks and a clean breastfeeding employees who return quiet area for moms to express milk. to work after childbirth, but it can also save a company money in healthcare costs and reduce employee turnover and absenteeism rates. The Danville Local School District’s investment goes beyond the importance of breastfeeding and staff support: it is an investment in the health of the community.
Contact: Tami Ruhl Knox County Health Department 740-392-2200 [email protected]
27 Licking County Licking County SNAP Customers Enjoy Local Produce
Summary Challenge Solution
Thanks to the collaboration of the Low-income residents in downtown and The Canal Market District (CMD) City of Newark, the Thomas J. Evans South Newark lack adequate access to farmers’ market director and Denison Foundation, the Canal Market District and affordable, healthy foods. According to University students engaged residents, Enterprise Hub, Licking County Job and the American Community Survey, 38.7 farmers/vendors, and community- Family Services, and the Licking County percent of residents living in this area based organizations through focus Health Department, the Canal Market receive SNAP benefits, and up to 53 groups, discussions, and surveys. These District (CMD) in downtown Newark percent of households in these census conversations identified the need to was constructed. Residents now have tracts have no vehicle. A significant address limited access to healthy food for access to affordable, local, fresh foods number of low-income residents are low-income residents by adding SNAP by using their Supplemental Nutrition more than half a mile from the only acceptance at the CMD farmers’ market. Assistance Program (SNAP) dollars at the grocery store in downtown Newark More than 3,500 farmers’ markets across Canal Market District. In 2016, more than according to the USDA Food Access the United States accept SNAP, including 165 people used SNAP at the market to Research Atlas. None of the existing many in Ohio. In partnership with the purchase local foods, while putting more farmers’ markets in Licking County Licking County Health Department’s than $7,200 back into the local economy. accepted SNAP. Community members Creating Healthy Communities (CHC) also felt farmers’ markets were elitist and program, the market obtained a point- were not welcoming of low-income of-sale terminal and tokens needed to residents. accept SNAP payments. CMD and CHC staff held a training to educate vendors on the importance of the SNAP program to the community and the benefits of
28 accepting SNAP as well as USDA rules/ responses indicate that SNAP customers regulations. The CMD hired a food access increased their consumption of fruits and assistant to act as a community liaison, vegetables by 6-8 servings per week. In educating residents about the program September and October, residents had and encouraging them to shop at the the opportunity to double their SNAP market. In partnership with Licking dollars spent on produce through the County Job and Family Services, direct Central Ohio Veggie SNAPS program. mail postcards were sent to every SNAP More than $1,400 in Veggie SNAPS were household in the county. The marketing redeemed by customers in those two campaign also used billboards, radio months. Low-income residents can now advertisements, social media and word- purchase local, fresh foods previously of-mouth to educate residents about the unavailable to them. When two mothers SNAP program at CMD. were asked why they bought food at the farmers’ market instead of the grocery store, they said, “We can get in season “SNAP customers produce cheaper here and it stays fresh much longer than food bought at the shouldn’t be forced to grocery store.” only purchase cheaply made products and Sustaining Success should be able to vote with their dollar for The Canal Market District’s goal is to reach 250 SNAP customers in 2017, with more the most ethical food than $8,500 in SNAP dollars redeemed. choices.” The Veggie SNAPS program will be implemented throughout the entire — Canal Market District 2017 market season to encourage more SNAP customer residents to spend their SNAP dollars at the market. Eventually, there will be a plan to address transportation barriers Results through community engagement and meeting with transportation officials.
In 2016, CMD became the first farmers’ market in Licking County to accept SNAP. Your Involvement is Key Residents spent their SNAP dollars at the farmers’ market to purchase fresh, local You can help increase access to food at an affordable price. With 393 affordable, fresh, local foods. Find out if total SNAP transactions throughout the your community farmers’ market accepts market season, many SNAP customers SNAP. Visit your local farmers’ market and visited the market more than once. help spread the word about markets in Throughout the 2016 inaugural market your community. Join the Licking County season, more than $5,800 in SNAP was Wellness Coalition to support access to spent at CMD. Fruits and vegetables healthy foods for all residents. were the most purchased items. Survey Contact: Carrie Minor Licking County Health Department 740-349-6497 [email protected]
29 Lorain County Lorain Partners “Stepping” Toward Positive Change
Summary percent are overweight, according to Solution the Lorain County Community Health In 2015, Lorain citizens, officials, and Assessment (CHA). Lorain City faces high LHL completed the Community Health community organizations joined to poverty rates (28 percent vs. 10 percent Assessment and Group Evaluation form Live Healthy Lorain (LHL) Partners, county wide) and its citizens are faced (CHANGE) tool in 2015, which assessed a group that evaluates and creates plans with difficult social factors that make Lorain City schools, worksites, community to address community health in Lorain. healthy lifestyles more difficult to achieve. organizations, and the city as a whole The Creating Healthy Communities (CHC) LHL coalition meetings have revealed through interviews, community program at the Lorain County General that in addition to economic reasons, conversations, and photos. It was Health District facilitates LHL partner safety concerns and connectivity issues determined that a community recreation meetings. These meetings provided a also hindered outdoor physical activity space with adequate lighting, potable forum to plan for park enhancements that and traveling throughout the community water and distance markers would help promote physical activity and provide by cycling, running, or walking. Research to address some of the concerns around access to drinking water at Black River supports that the lack of safe and attractive spaces for physical activity. Landing. By the summer of 2016, more attractive places to be active is a barrier The Lorain Port Authority (LPA) emerged than 9,000 people living within one mile to regular exercise. The Lorain CHA as a unique partner with an existing, of the area were able to enjoy the park revealed that one out of five (21 percent) multi-purpose green space called Black and exercise in a safe and appealing space. Lorain County adults did not exercise River Landing. Through CHC funds or participate in physical activity in the and leveraged resources, the site was past week. Inactivity leads to unhealthy upgraded with walking routes, a filtered Challenge weight status and an increased likelihood water station and way-finding signs. The of chronic health issues for Lorain new signs show distance and travel time Among the adult population in the City residents. of safe walkable routes, and also directs of Lorain, 29 percent are obese and 39 users to nearby park destinations along
30 the lake front. The hydration station health plans. Due to transportation provides a free, healthy alternative to barriers identified in Lorain, LHL partners sugary drinks, reminding visitors to are now focusing on promoting walking choose Water First for Thirst. and biking initiatives in the school and community. The team will address how bike and pedestrian master plans Results can improve connectivity, safety and economic development to move the The LPA leveraged more than $2,000, needle on the community’s health. Way- by covering all installation costs of the finding signs at Black River Landing is one hydration station, signs, and fees for strategy that can be duplicated in other event space such as concerts and 5Ks parts of the community to highlight at Black River Landing. Summer events connectivity and places to exercise. drew crowds of more than 1,000, and park enhancements were highlighted on the event stage through local media, by LHL partners on social media, and “I exercise and can printed flyers. Surveys obtained at the events showed that families now come tell a difference in the to the park to exercise more often. amount of people who Observational data tracked by the LPA come out to Black River staff showed an average of 25-30 day- time pedestrians on site, viewing walking Landing. My parents maps and walking on the paths. About 25 live nearby and come percent of visitors with pets frequented up to walk. It’s great to the new hydration station and attached highlight what Lorain pet dish. The initiative inspired the LPA to fix all of their water fountains, which already has available were not working prior to installation and make it better so of the hydration station. Enhancements more people like my improved perceptions of the area as a safe, welcoming and family friendly place parents can benefit.” to be active outside. — Stacy Santiago, Lorain resident
Sustaining Success
The CHANGE assessment revealed further Your Involvement is Key community improvements that could be made to encourage healthier lifestyles Join Live Healthy Lorain Partners. Become in Lorain County residents. In addition, a voice for your community, help identify the assessment poised the community needs, and be part of the solution. Let’s to plan solutions to the identified health work together to make the healthy choice challenges and has also helped to the easier choice in the city of Lorain! Contact: preserve buy-in for future community Katherine Bray Lorain County General Health District 440-322-6367 [email protected]
31 Lucas County Bike Parking Increases Physical Activity Participation at South Toledo Community Center
Summary 30.8 percent of Ohio youth ages 10-17 are to determine the need for bike overweight or obese with Ohio ranking 24 infrastructure for underserved youth in The collaboration between the CHC out of 51. Childhood obesity can lead to Lucas County. Through a partnership program, the Believe Center, and We chronic health conditions later in life such with We Are Traffic, a non-profit bicycling Are Traffic, provided bike infrastructure as asthma, sleep apnea, Type 2 diabetes advocacy group, South Toledo’s Believe allowing the opportunity to increase and heart disease. Increasing physical Center was identified as a prime location. physical activity to more than 1,400 activity is essential in preventing obesity The Believe Center is a community youth in South Toledo. Survey results so it is important to have infrastructure organization that promotes youth sports indicated that with a secure location for that supports those who wish to, or need programs, education, and other activities bike parking, more youth are increasing to, bike or walk to their destinations. Many to approximately 1,400 youth per year. physical activity by biking to and from the families in underserved areas lack access to A survey of all youth participating at the center to participate in planned activities. cars, which may leave bicycles as the only center indicated a high need for secure The bike racks have had a positive means of transportation. Installing bike bike parking and bike safety education. impact on this South Toledo community racks at key destinations helps to provide To fulfill these needs, CHC worked where bicycles are a main mode of a safe place to secure bikes and promote with We Are Traffic to select bike racks transportation for youth. physical activity. and work with the Believe Center to coordinate a bike-fix-it event. As a result of the collaboration, two bike racks were Challenge Solution installed as well as a bike-fix-it event that included bike repairs by Toledo Bikes, Childhood obesity has been an ongoing Lucas County Creating Healthy educational materials, a bike-safety game concern for the state of Ohio. According Communities (CHC) coalition brought and helmet fittings by Safe Kids Greater to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, together community stakeholders Toledo.
32 Working Together is Fruitful for Lucas County Food Deserts
Results Sustaining Success
The installation of bike rack infrastructure CHC will continue to partner with the at the Believe Center has been beneficial. local active transportation planning A post survey of youth at the center groups of the Toledo Metropolitan Area indicated that 56 percent of youth have Council of Governments, the City of used the bike racks since their installation. Toledo, City of Oregon, Toledo Biking Results also have shown that installing Coalition, and We Are Traffic to expand bike racks has had a significant influence active transportation opportunities. (92 percent) on whether or not youth will Work will continue in 2017 to increase ride their bike to the center for activities. access to physical activity via promotion Furthermore, observations of bike rack of Complete Streets policies, improving usage during the fall season show that and expanding biking/walking trails, the majority of youth participating in providing Share the Road education football use bicycles as their main mode opportunities for safe biking and walking, of transportation to and from practice. and increasing bike infrastructure in After bike racks were installed, it was also underserved areas to make Lucas County discovered that there was an unforeseen a bike friendly community. need for bike locks in order to best utilize the bike racks. As a result, the Believe Center is now providing bike locks for Your Involvement is Key youth to borrow when securing their bikes. • Participate – Get on the road and join your local biking coalition • Connect – Help connect local needs “The Believe Center with local resources. Visit https:// wearetraffic.org/ has benefited from • Encourage – Follow www.facebook. the bike racks because com/yourmoveohio more kids are coming to activities since they have a safe place to park their bikes.”
— Tonya Duran, Director of The Believe Center
Contact: Tony Maziarz or Amy Abodeely Toledo-Lucas County Health Department 419-213-4168 [email protected] [email protected]
33 Marion County Bridging the Gap of Food Insecurity through Inclusivity
Summary Health Assessment (CHA), 76 percent of remove transportation barriers, reduce adults and 85 percent of youth reported food insecurity and integrate those living Individual health is more than just eating fewer than the recommended five with disabilities into a community-wide individual choice and behavior. Many servings of fruits/vegetables. Second is solution. influences impact a person’s health, that Marion received a 5.8 rating in 2015 such as safe neighborhoods, access to on the RWJF Food Environment Index employment, education and healthcare, which is a rating range from 0 (worst) to 10 Solution as well as affordable healthy food access (best) weighing limited access to healthy In an effort to mitigate health inequities and safe spaces to be physically active. It is food and food insecurity together as that exist in our community, a multi- essential to use a multi-sector approach to indicators of the food environment. . Third, disciplinary approach was developed to improve community health because the there are many residents living below the address one of our community’s largest health of an individual and the community federal poverty level, which according to health disparities: access to healthy and at large has so many variables. The Creating U.S. Census Bureau includes 37 percent of affordable foods. This can be a challenge Healthy Communities (CHC) coalition is west-side residents and nearly 48 percent due to several factors, which include utilizing a collective community inclusion of north-end residents. Additionally, transportation, location of food retailers, strategy to tackle one of our largest known the CHA identifies approximately 17.4 financial constraints, and the additional health disparities. percent of Marion County’s population challenges of those living with chronic as having a disability, who as reported disease and disability. by the Centers for Disease Control and Challenge Prevention (CDC), suffer from higher rates A community inclusion strategy was of obesity and other health factors. With all developed to address these issues. In Marion County has many challenges this information in mind and community October 2016, Marion County launched when it comes to healthy eating. First, inclusion as a goal, local partners joined its first mobile produce pantry. Based according to the 2015 Marion County together to increase healthy food access, on community data and supported by
34 the United States Dairy Association’s insecurity in Marion County. However, Food Access Research Map, distribution this short term solution is part of a much sites were selected based on locations larger, more comprehensive food plan that would positively impact those and community-wide commitment to most adversely affected by poor health community inclusion envisioned by outcomes. The mobile produce market the CHC Program. Partnering with the not only serves to improve food access Marion County Board of Developmental in the community, but also provides Disabilities (DD) has allowed the community volunteer- and work-related CHC coalition to strategize additional skill development opportunities for sustainability inclusive solutions to individuals living with disabilities. further address access to healthy food and physical activity for our community. The Marion County Board of DD seeks Results volunteer and skill training opportunities that foster community inclusion. Initial data suggests that this system change is impacting more than a 100 “The community families on a bi-weekly basis, including 25 Your Involvement is Key individuals living with disabilities. Beyond partnerships to put that, improved healthy food access Communities can start with small this together have is the secondary goal of community improvements to improve inclusivity. been amazing.” inclusion for individuals with disabilities. These accommodations can lead to big This strategic alignment of resources changes over time. — Jessica Trainer, Director and assets is helping to assure that • Actively recruit people with disabilities, of Human Resources, Marion individuals with disabilities are provided family members and other disability County Board of Developmental work skills that aid in future employment Disabilities advocates to be represented and/or to and volunteer opportunities. While this provide consultation as appropriate. program is still in the infancy and pilot stages, there are already many favorable • Convene meetings and hold activities responses. In one month, participation in facilities and areas that are accessible has grown by more than 50 percent and for people with disabilities. high worker satisfaction with individuals • Ensure publications and marketing living with disabilities is noted by repeat efforts depict a diverse population work experience. Furthermore, improved of participants in coalition activities, geographic availability of healthy food including people with disabilities options to underserved and vulnerable populations has improved. In addition, • Educate and advocate to other the CHC coalition is working on providing community leaders on inclusion training and resources to coalition strategies, along with information members so they can also implement on disability, accessibility and health strategies supportive of individuals living disparities experienced by people with with disabilities. This work is being done disabilities. by providing training, resources, and the • Encourage other organizations to adoption of an inclusion policy. adopt similar commitments and/or present educational information at Contact: their representative organizations and Erin Creeden Sustaining Success other committees. Marion Public Health 740-692-9128 The establishment of this mobile produce [email protected] pantry is a step towards improving food
35 Meigs County Making a Splash in Middleport
Summary Challenge because of the cost of maintenance and repair, the pool was left unused for more Accessing physical activity opportunities As reported by the Robert Wood Johnson than a decade. The pool was eventually close to home is a challenge for many Foundation’s County Health Rankings, demolished, but not without an uproar Meigs County families. A recent focus Meigs County scored a 33 percent in in the community. Even though the pool group reported that Meigs County access to exercise opportunities. Access is was not in operation, the community residents have little to no recreational defined as living within a half mile radius felt a sense of hopelessness when it was opportunities that are free and open of a park or playground or in a three mile destroyed. to the public. As a result, the Creating radius of a recreational facility. Lack of Healthy Communities (CHC) coalition has access to recreational opportunities in been working to improve the parks and Meigs County was also reported in the Solution playground spaces throughout Meigs 2015 Community Health Assessment as a The Meigs County CHC Coalition County. More specifically, a splash park need. When surveyed, participants were identified a splash park as a unique was implemented in Middleport at the asked to indicate the number of outdoor way to increase access to recreation location of the previous Middleport pool, recreation in the community; more than opportunities that are free and open to bringing new life to Hartinger Park. two-thirds of respondents reported that there were only “a few” or “none.” The few the public. Additionally, the splash park existing areas for recreation throughout would be located in the place of the the county are in poor condition and in previously demolished pool at Hartinger need of repair. Park, giving residents of all ages a place to play and cool off during the hot summer In Middleport, Hartinger Park previously days. had an above-ground public pool, but
36 Through teamwork and consistent effort, Sustaining Success Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds were identified as partner The implementation of the Middleport funds for the Splash Park. The county Splash Park brought new excitement commissioners re-allocated the unspent to the Village. As a result, Middleport funds, received approval, and the project Village Council appointed a new parks took on a quick construction timeline. and recreation committee. The goal of the committee is to continue to develop As soon as the funds were identified to existing and new parks and playgrounds, purchase the splash park, David Williams and maintain the current parks and and Associates was contracted to build playground equipment to a satisfactory the park. standard.
The Splash Park will be opened on May Results 15-Septmeber 15, 2017 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. The CHC program is helping the Construction of the park was finished Village of Racine plan and build a splash on July 27 and news of the newly park at Star Mill Park, with a tentative constructed park spread quickly. On completion date of summer 2018 opening day, the original Facebook post because of the overwhelming success in on the Meigs County Commissioners Middleport. page was shared 199 times. The splash park was a huge success. Upon observation, at any given time Your Involvement is Key approximately 15-20 kids, ranging from 1 year old’s to young teenagers, could • Get out and be active! Engage in 30 be seen playing at the park. Parents were minutes or more physical activity also seen enjoying the park and playing every day. alongside their children. After gaining • Become a member! Join the Creating attention, residents from the neighboring Healthy Communities Coalition to counties of Gallia, Ohio and Mason, make the healthier choice the easy West Virginia called to inquire about the choice. process of getting a splash park in their own community. • Advocate for health! Discuss with your community ways to improve health and take action.
• Like the Meigs County (Ohio) Health “This is a great place Department on Facebook for updates for family and friends and happenings around the county. to spend some fun times! Thank you for all the hard work to make this happen.” Contact: Laura Cleland — Community Member Meigs County Health Department 740-992-6626 [email protected]
37 37 Montgomery County Produce Perks Helps Montgomery County Families Eat Healthy
Summary Challenge Solution
In an effort to increase the availability of Throughout Montgomery County, there In 2016, CHC identified the Market at affordable, healthy foods in Montgomery is a high demand for affordable, healthy Wright Stop Plaza and the Shiloh Farmers’ County, the Creating Healthy food options. Many neighborhoods are Market as pilot sites for Montgomery Communities (CHC) program partnered considered food deserts, as residents County’s Produce Perks program. The with two farmers’ markets to initiate live further than one mile from the goal of Produce Perks is to increase Produce Perks. Modeled after programs nearest grocery store. According to the access and affordability of healthy fruits in Cincinnati and Cleveland, the program 2014 Montgomery County Community and vegetables for underserved residents. provides a dollar-for-dollar match to food Health Assessment, 24 percent of adults Modeled after programs in Cincinnati assistance recipients at participating in Montgomery County are eating less and Cleveland, the program provides a farmers’ markets. To date, Produce than one serving of vegetables per dollar-for-dollar match (up to ten dollars Perks has provided more than $7,000 in day. Additionally, 41 percent consume per day) to food-assistance recipients incentives for families to purchase healthy less than one serving of fruit each day. at participating farmers’ markets. The foods. Through strategic partnerships A healthy diet that includes fruits and initiative is made possible through the with community organizations such as vegetables can help prevent obesity in partnership between both markets Homefull Solutions and Green Umbrella, children and adults, as well as decrease and other community stakeholders, CHC hopes to expand the program in the risk of chronic diseases such as including Montgomery County’s CHC 2017 and beyond. cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Coalition, Green Umbrella, and Homefull The challenge of consuming healthy Solutions. Produce Perks strengthens the foods is in large part attributed to issues food security system in Montgomery of accessibility and affordability. County by ensuring that fresh, locally grown produce gets into low-income households where it is needed most.
38 Results
Two Montgomery County markets “The WIC program have increased access to locally grown referred me to the produce by promoting and offering Shiloh Farmers Market. Produce Perks because of this initiative. While at the market, The Market at Wright Stop Plaza is located in the heart of downtown Dayton at I used my EBT card the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) to buy apples, grapes Main Transit Center. Open from May and strawberries for through December, this location is very convenient for local residents, employees me and my two-year- of downtown businesses and bus riders old daughter. The EBT who can dash in for a basket of produce clerk at the market was before walking home or transferring buses. The Shiloh Farmers’ Market so nice, she informed provides an additional access point, me about the Produce offering Produce Perks from May through Perks Program, and I October. The Produce Perks program has provided more than $7,000 in incentives really like the incentive. for families to purchase healthy foods. My daughter and I Both markets have experienced an visit the market every increase in new customers, Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) sales (food Saturday.” assistance dollars), and total market sales. — Pamela Heard Montgomery County Resident
Sustaining Success Your Involvement is Key A Produce Perks sustainability plan is being developed; several of its key You can help improve the elements will need to be implemented neighborhood’s built environment, in 2017 and beyond. In 2016, the markets increase access to healthy foods, and received exposure in the local media that make a positive contribution to your helped strengthen connections within community by joining the Creating the community and built networks for Healthy Communities Coalition. Visit future sustainability. Securing funding for www.phdmc.org to learn more about ongoing Produce Perks operations is a Produce Perks and the Montgomery challenge. Though strategic partnerships, County Creating Healthy Communities CHC hopes to establish a structure program. for securing additional Produce Perks funding and to expand the program to include all Montgomery County farmers’ markets. Contact: Robert Harrison Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County 937-496-7974 [email protected]
39 Perry County Mt. Aloysius Opens its Doors to the Community and Gardening
Summary Challenge soil and fencing were provided and are maintained by the facility. The project Perry County, an Appalachian county Data collected from the Perry County director for Mount Aloysius provided located in rural southeastern Ohio, is Community Health Assessment indicates gardening experience as an experienced considered a food desert. Access to that only five percent of Perry County horticulturalist as well as passion for healthy food is limited due to distance residents consume the recommended community engagement. and economic disparity. Residents number of fruits and vegetables. experience high rates of obesity and cardiovascular disease. Through a Results partnership between Mount Aloysius, a Solution Twenty-eight gardeners (ages 27-70), private live-in facility for adult men with participated during the 2016 growing developmental disabilities, and the Perry Mount Aloysius expressed interest in a season raising nine different varieties of County Health Department’s Creating partnership with CHC to develop the vegetables and 20 varieties of plants and Healthy Communities (CHC) Program, the community garden on its grounds. The herbs. Community partners included community was invited to grow healthy property already had a greenhouse and the New Lexington High School Future food for their families and their neighbors many acres of green space. Plans for 2016 Farmers of America, Hocking College, in a newly-created community garden. included an 83 foot by 86 foot garden area consisting of eight raised garden Evolutions and the Village of New beds and seven in-ground beds. Water, Lexington Tree Commission.
40 Sustaining Success
“The partnership Plans to further develop the garden in between the CHC 2017 include the adding seven gardening project and Mount spots, an orchard with fruit trees and Aloysius is such an berry vines, providing educational classes taught by Perry County OSU Extension, excellent opportunity and the installation of an “honor system” to increase the locally vegetable stand located at the entrance grown produce to the property. Conversations have begun with local school officials to available to our bring youth and families to help with residents. Being able to the gardening projects and learning provide Perry County experiences. Mount Aloysius staff are working with many community citizens with access organizations to create a plan for to a greenhouse and continued support of the garden and community garden orchard. Stanton Villa and Evolutions Treatment Centers residents are planning increases active living, to maintain the community garden areas fresh produce and will and the herb garden. create an opportunity
for intergenerational Your Involvement is Key social engagement.” Are you interested in the local food — Angela DeRolph movement, or do you have a passion for healthy living? Join the Perry Neighborhood Connection. We are working to connect our residents to resources and organizations that may have similar interests. The Perry Neighborhood Connection meets on the third Tuesday of every even numbered month. Contact the Perry County Health Department at 740-342-5179 for more information!
Contact: Jenny LaRue Perry County Health Department 740-342-5179 [email protected]
41 Richland County At the Intersection of Health and Education: The Story of the Green Peoplez
Summary Challenge Solution
The Creating Healthy Communities For many children in Mansfield, The NECIC received grant funding through (CHC) project, North End Community educational and economic barriers the Ohio Department of Education Improvement Collaborative (NECIC) put them at a disadvantage for lifelong (ODE) to establish a ROAR mentorship and others have invested in the full health and wellness. The City of Mansfield program for students of the Mansfield development of the Blust Avenue has suffered in recent years from City Schools in grades 7-12. The goals of Teaching Garden, located in the North employment shifts, economic decline the ROAR program are aligned with ODE End of Mansfield. This has become a and neighborhood blight. objectives to build positive futures and a vibrant site for fresh food production, sense of resiliency, to support character garden-related learning programs, and a The Mansfield City Schools, serving development and assist students in source of produce for the summer North the majority of students from the City, finding their pathway to achievement. End Farmers Market (NEFM). As such, it reflect that of the larger community. was a perfect site to host a youth garden More than 84 percent of the students A youth garden club was developed club as part of the Real Opportunities within this school system are from as one of the mentoring opportunities for Achievement and Readiness (ROAR) families facing economic challenges for students and took advantage of the mentoring program for students of where food insecurity, jobs, housing space and facilities of the Blust Avenue the Mansfield City Schools. From the and transportation are a daily struggle. Teaching Garden. Students came to development of the youth garden club The Mansfield City School district is the garden weekly to learn all aspects came a small team of market vendors considered to be a low performing of growing healthy foods, from seed to who called themselves the Green district with four-year graduation rates table. They were mentored to develop Peoplez. below those of similar districts and the entrepreneurial and marketing skills. overall state average. Students were given real life work experience as vendors at the NEFM.
42 Results as well from excess produce, which was distributed for the students to take During the school year, the ROAR youth home. All students reported forming new garden club engaged about 18 students. friendships and improving their social They arrived with varied interest in skills and emotional control through their outdoor garden work, transportation work in the garden, gaining a sense of and family challenges, and interpersonal- hopefulness about their futures. group conflicts. The garden experience, along with immediate gratification and excitement about growing food, Sustaining Success quickly became a positive influence and helped the teens overcome behavioral ROAR will continue as a school- and learning issues; it became a refuge community partnership to engage, support, and enhance the community and provided strong support for them. “We grow many It also allowed garden club members and educational experience of MCS hands-on learning and work experience students. The youth garden club will things at the Blust away from family and school, and a begin again in the early spring. Avenue Teaching break from the pull of technology. The Blust Avenue Teaching Garden will Garden, but watching Teamwork and physical exertion provided continue to offer space, programming an outlet for stress and isolation while those students and education for youth and adults in promoting positive emotional health. blossom into the community. It has been developed Constant opportunities for healthy social At the Intersection of Health and Education: to near capacity and offers space for responsible young interaction—such as between students growing both fruits and vegetables. adults was our most The Story of the Green Peoplez and the general public at the Blust Garden and the NEFM—proved to build satisfying crop.“ confidence, self-image, and improve Your Involvement is Key social skills. — Candace Harrell, Teaching Garden Coordinator, North Solutions to community problems can A committed group of four students End Community Improvement best be found in the community itself. continued working in the garden Collaborative The Blust Avenue Teaching Garden has throughout the summer even though grown to become a strong community the ROAR program had ended. Naming asset, a driver for healthy food production themselves the “Green Peoplez” they and an avenue for increased fresh food became a strong group of exceptional access in the North End community. market gardeners. They performed the This space, as well as the local garden physical effort of growing, tending, and experts, are available to individuals, youth harvesting vegetables; learned to prepare programs and others. produce for market by weighing, keeping records, and pricing items; created their The ROAR mentoring program relies own market booth for the NEFM; and on the support and participation of were present weekly to handle set-up, mentors from the community. Investing customer service and sales transactions. in the growth and development of our youth can change the future for them Surveys and interviews completed with and for our community. Each of us has Contact: the Green Peoplez showed positive something to offer a young person. Karyl Price results from their experience. The To get involved, contact NECIC at Richland Public Health youth increased their consumption 419-525-3101. 419-774-4740 of vegetables during their time in the [email protected] garden. Most of their families benefited
43 Sandusky County Sandusky County Rolls toward Active Transportation
Summary County adults and 30 percent of youth Solution are meeting the recommended physical Active modes of transportation such as activity guidelines1. There are multiple Sandusky County CHC program walking and bicycling allow individuals to barriers to being physically active in implemented a “Share the Road” integrate physical activity into their daily Sandusky County, including lack of time, campaign to encourage active modes of routines. However, not all communities lack of social support, and limited access transportation, educating both drivers have the infrastructure or practices to affordable and safe places to engage and bicyclists on the rules of the road. In in place to support these users. From in physical activity. According to Federal addition to this campaign, CHC partnered closing the streets off for a day to allow Highway Data, 43 percent of all vehicle with the City of Fremont to improve the community to engage in healthy trips are for distances of three miles or bicycle infrastructure throughout priority physical activity for “Street Play Saturday” less2. Thus, there is a huge opportunity neighborhoods by installing road signs to initiating a county-wide active to increase physical activity by engaging that read, “Bikes May Use Full Lane.” transportation plan, the Sandusky County in active modes of transportation, such This opened the door to then launch Creating Healthy (CHC) Communities as walking or biking. However, the Northwest Ohio’s first open streets Program has taken several steps towards proper infrastructure and practices need initiative called, “Street Play Saturday.” making active transportation safe, to be in place to support these active Street Play Saturday consisted of convenient, and viable for residents. modes of travel. The Sandusky County temporarily closing the streets to vehicle CHC Program identified the need for traffic and transforming them into a giant Challenge active transportation support after street park, allowing residents of all ages, administering a bicycle education survey. abilities, and backgrounds to engage in Regular physical activity can reduce This survey found that one in three activities that improve their health. the burden of chronic disease. Despite residents did not know bicyclists should the known benefits of being physically ride with the flow of traffic. active, only 52 percent of Sandusky
44 Results Sustaining Success
Street Play Saturday closed nearly one Following the active transportation mile of the city’s streets to provide free initiatives carried out by the CHC activities that were fun, educational and program, several local engineers, city promoted social interaction. Participants planners, law enforcement, elected were able to engage in a variety of officials, municipal decision makers, and physical activities including pickle ball, other community leaders participated in a youth obstacle course, riding bikes a professional development ride hosted in the street, and learning about bike by “Yay Bikes!”, a bicycle advocacy group safety. Results from a survey administered out of Columbus, Ohio. This experience throughout the event indicated that gave these professionals a clearer the average participant spent more understanding of how they can better than 70 minutes engaging in physical accommodate people who bicycle for activities. This initiative led residents to transportation. This training then led to begin thinking about alternative modes discussions initiating the development of transportation, with 95 percent of of an active transportation plan and participants either agreeing or strongly policies that support Complete Streets. agreeing that Street Play Saturday has Sandusky County CHC is also planning encouraged them to support active two additional open streets initiatives, transportation. which will be integrated into the 2017 Downtown Fremont farmers markets. In addition to the 15 new bicycle signs obtained with CHC funding, the City of Fremont supported active transportation Your Involvement is Key by designating a bike lane along the main You can help make walking and bicycling street in the historic downtown district. safe, convenient, and viable for residents Both of these improvements helped to of all ages and abilities by: increase awareness and eliminate barriers to engaging in active transportation and • Follow “Street Play Saturday” on physical activity. Facebook to learn the safety guideline for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians www.facebook.com/ “The new bike signs streetplaysaturday. and designated bike • Getting on the road by joining a lane have made me local bike group and learn the rules feel more comfortable of the road. sharing the road with • Joining the Sandusky County drivers. These additions CHC Coalition! Learn more about Sandusky County CHC by visiting us have also been really at http://www.alwayschoosehealth. helpful in keeping bikes com/health-planning--chc. off the sidewalk and on • Follow the statewide Your Move Contact: the road where drivers Initiative at http://www.facebook. Allison Thomas com/yourmoveohio. can see them more Sandusky County Health Department clearly.” References 419-334-6386 1Sandusky County Community Health Status [email protected] — Mary Boda, Fremont resident Assessment, 2013 2Federal Highway Administration. 2009 National Household Travel Survey. http://nhts.ornl.gov/
45 Stark County A New Chapter for a Community Park
Summary Challenge vandalism, and overall disrepair and disinvestment. When speaking to a local In 2015, Live Well Stark County (LWSC) According to the County Health Rankings, neighborhood resident, she recalled not coalition, in collaboration with the 19 percent of county residents do not being allowed to play at Cook’s Lagoon Creating Healthy Communities (CHC) have access to adequate physical activity as a child due to her mother’s concern Program, designated walking routes opportunities. 31 percent of Stark county for her safety. To make matters worse, within the northeast quadrant of Canton. residents are obese, while 36 percent the recreation center in the northeast As a part of the 2016 plan to improve are overweight (BRFSS, 2016). Lack of neighborhood was closed, leaving physical activity opportunities, a walking physical activity opportunities and low children in the area without an adequate route was extended to include a local access to fresh produce contribute to place to play and be active. park. That extension sparked the idea chronic diseases such as hypertension, to repair the park at the end of the diabetes and heart disease. Furthermore, Solution route. Cook’s Lagoon is situated in the according to research, low-income, racial, northeast quadrant of Canton, Ohio. This and ethnic minority populations tend LWSC recognizes the importance of 3.72 acre park features a .25 mile walking to have lower access to high-quality improving physical activity, especially in trail surrounding a lagoon fed by the recreational facilities in their communities low-income neighborhoods. Enhancing Nimishillen Creek. For years, many local (Dannenburg, 2011). Low access to places or improving community environments families gathered to fish in the lagoon for physical activity contribute to poor that are supportive of physical activity not and picnic at the park. health outcomes in the northeast Canton only increases physical activity outcomes, community. but also deters criminal activity, improves Throughout the years, Cook’s Lagoon social cohesion and increases mental gained a bad reputation from litter, well-being.
46 Through partnership and investment, now instead even though it’s a little much work was dedicated to improving further from my house,” said one park the face of Cook’s Lagoon. Park upgrades goer. Visitors of the farmers’ market stated include a new bridge, a resurfaced trail, that they had not been to the park before the addition of a handicap accessible and would return. fishing spot, and a new kiosk. A cleanup day, sponsored by volunteers from Union Metal Corporation, removed trash from Sustaining Success the property. As a result of all the park improvements, a local farmers market With continued programming from relocated to the park and a free running the county park district and another club chose to meet regularly at Cook’s dedicated season of the StarkFresh Lagoon for their runs. The changes to farmers’ market, attention will continue to Cook’s Lagoon brought a new sense of bring this small, yet beautiful park space community, a new identity for the park, back to life. On the schedule for 2017 is and changed perception for some who the Summer Serenades by the Canton “This park is a grew up around the park. One local Symphony Orchestra and the Annual resident stated, “When I was young Cook’s Fishing Derbies held by both Stark Parks wonderful example Lagoon gained a bad reputation. The and the Stark Fatherhood Coalition. In of how an area can new renovations and the new activities 2017 the park will remain as a location on be improved with are changing the reputation of the park.” the Stark Walks and Run Club’s schedule, as well as an interest point on the Stark some attention Walks route for northeast Canton. In the and community Results long term, Stark County Trail and Greenway investment. Thanks Master Plan sees this site as a trail head, With hard work and community connecting the Stark Electric Railway Trail Stark Parks!” coordination, Cook’s Lagoon now has a with the Middle Branch Trail. fresh look fostering a new sense of hope — Michael George for the community. Quotes from several farmers’ market attendees indicate a new Your Involvement is Key awareness of this park. One said, “I didn’t know there was a trail here until today! I Visit often! Cook’s Lagoon is located will be back to use it.” The clearing of the at 1819 Mahoning Road NE Canton, brush has improved the visibility of the Ohio 44705. Volunteer with Stark Parks Nimishillen Creek, which runs parallel to by visiting: https://starkparks.com/ the park. Kiosk design aides in deterring volunteer-program/ criminal activity within the park. The new bridge at the front of the lagoon, Be an advocate for your community, join formally a truck trailer, has been rebuilt your local neighborhood association, and provides shelter and security for pick up litter in your local parks and be those that enjoy it as a fishing location. the eyes in your community by reporting The bridge at the back of the lagoon now problems to the appropriate personnel. has a fresh coat of stain, thanks to the employees of Union Metal Corporation. To become involved with LWSC coalition Contact: “ You guys did a really nice job, I used to or the Creating Healthy Communities Mary Grueber fish at Monument Park, but come here Program, contact Mary Grueber. Stark County CHC Program 330-409-8995 [email protected]
47 Summit County Barberton Community Plants Health One Row at a Time
Summary Challenge Solution
With only a few supermarkets and corner The burden of chronic disease in Summit Summit County CHC partnered with stores in the low-income neighborhood County is significant, with nutrition being Let’s Grow Akron, a local non-profit of Barberton, Ohio, residents have limited a key factor. Summit County’s Food organization, to expand community access to fresh produce near their homes. Environment Index score fell from 7.1 to gardening in Barberton. Initially an To increase produce availability, Summit 6.8 in 2015 and dropped again to 6.6 in audit was conducted identifying County Public Health’s Creating Healthy 2016. Food access in the county is lower potential garden sites. The prospective Communities (CHC) Program partnered than the national average, reporting locations were then subject to a site with Let’s Grow Akron and the Barberton 15.67 grocery stores per 100,000 persons. assessment including soil testing, Hilltop House Apartments to install Additionally, one third of Summit County’s sunlight monitoring, and evaluation of community garden beds. More than 25 low-income population lives in a food an adequate water source. In April, the percent of the Hilltop House residents desert area, which encompasses the Hilltop Hilltop House, a senior affordable housing took part in gardening and at the House. In Barberton, approximately 19.5 community, was selected as a garden conclusion of the 2016 growing season, percent of the population live below the site. Four garden beds were installed, a yield of approximately 472 pounds poverty line. The challenges of poverty and including one wheelchair accessible of produce was harvested from Hilltop transportation continue to play a key role bed. During the installation of the beds, House. in addressing food environments. Food a resident took interest to become the environments directly impact eating habits, garden leader. Throughout the course which in turn, can impact risk factors for of the growing season, she was able to obesity and chronic disease. This reality recruit 20 additional residents to work in is seen most significantly within low- the gardens. income communities, such as Barberton, highlighting the need for equity.
48 Results interest in doubling the size of their current community garden. Technical Hilltop House had a plentiful harvest, assistance and support will be provided yielding approximately 472 pounds of to Hilltop House community gardens as produce. The three ground garden beds they start to prepare for the 2017 growing produced tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, season. As access is improved, educational broccoli, cabbage, collard greens, and opportunities will present themselves to zucchini, while the wheelchair accessible assist individuals and neighborhoods in bed produced herbs, strawberries, making healthier choices. lettuce, and cucumbers. The Hilltop House gardens have improved access to fresh produce among low-income Your Involvement is Key residents and helped encourage To locate a community garden in healthier eating. Studies have shown Summit County, visit https://www. that gardeners eat more fruits and summitfoodcoalition.org/community- vegetables compared to non-gardeners. gardens/ The gardens also proved to be beneficial for the seniors because it increased their Join the Summit Food Coalition to stay levels of physical activity and encouraged current on the work that is being done use of all motor skills. Garden leader, to improve access to healthy food for all Amanda, shared that she is attempting Summit County residents. to eat healthier by increasing her intake If you are interested in working on of vegetables. Her brother noted that the chronic disease prevention strategies garden gave her purpose and that her within Summit County, join the CHC attitude and memory improved. Coalition at Summit County Public Health. The coalition meets to develop “The entire building and implement plans that can improve benefited since any the health of our community. extra produce was References placed in the kitchen Food Environment Index, Retrieved from: http:// areas for anyone to www.countyhealthrankings.org/measure/food- environment-index use.” County Business Patterns Data, Retrieved from: https://factfinder.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/ — Amanda, community_facts.xhtml Garden Leader and Hilltop House Long, W. (2015May29). Local health department plants Resident community garden to support local food bank, healthy eating. NACCHO. Accessed 30 July 2015, from Sustaining Success http://www.nacchostories.org/local-health- department-plants-community-garden-to-support- food-bank-healthy-eating-initiatives/. While community gardens will not solve food insecurity, they play a significant Harding A. (2011 July 8). Why gardening is good for your health. CNN. Accessed 30 July 2015, from http:// role in the food system. Moving forward, www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/07/08/why.gardening. Summit County CHC and Let’s Grow Akron good/. Contact: plan to expand community gardening Tournier I and Postal V. (2014 December). An integrative Heidi Dressler not only in Barberton but into other model of the psychological benefits of gardening in Summit County Public Health communities. The communities will be older adults. Geriatr Psychol Neuropsychiatr Vieil. 12(4), 424-31.doi: 10.1684/pnr.2014.0498. 330-926-5658 chosen based on their location in food [email protected] desert areas across Summit County. A United States Census Bureau. Retrieved from: http:// www.census.gov/quickfacts/table/PST045215/3903828 local municipality has already expressed
49 Trumbull County Revitalized Park Leads to New Opportunities for Bolindale Residents
Summary household income of $35,530 with Solution 19.7 percent below the poverty level.2 The neighborhood of Bolindale, located Howland Township, which surrounds During the past two years, the Trumbull in Howland Township, is a registered Bolindale, has a median household County CHC program has partnered with food desert and the third poorest area in income of $61,132 with only 7.7 percent Howland Township, Howland Park Board, Trumbull County. The Trumbull County below the poverty level.2 These numbers and HHWC to make improvements to the Creating Health Communities (CHC) depict disparities that exist in the Bolindale Bolindale Community Park and provide Program worked with Howland Township, neighborhood as it is significantly lower better access to fresh foods for residents. Howland Park Board District, and in income and resources compared In 2015, HHWC hosted a park clean-up Howland Health and Wellness Committee to the rest of Howland Township. The day with residents to trim branches, (HHWC) to make improvements to this closest grocery store is located about pull weeds and lay pea gravel under the area possible. The Bolindale Community two miles away and access to public newly painted equipment. Howland Park is now a more appealing place to be transportation and sidewalks is limited. Park Board purchased new swings and physically active and also provides access Although Howland Center has hosted installed security lighting with CHC funds to fresh produce to about 2,000 residents. a weekly farmers’ market for the past 10 to make the area more inviting and safe years, it is nearly impossible to get from for children to play. In 2016, Howland Bolindale to Howland Center without Township also hosted monthly pop-up Challenge a car due to a major highway cutting farmers’ markets at Bolindale Community through the township. Along with a Park from July-September and accepted In Trumbull County, 29 percent of poorly maintained park and isolation the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance residents are physically inactive and 16 from Howland Township, there are many Program (SNAP) to provide fresh produce percent experience food insecurity.1 The barriers for Bolindale residents to have to low-income Bolindale residents. Bolindale neighborhood has a median access to healthy foods and physical activity opportunities.
50 Results Sustaining Success
Between the months of July and The Howland Park Board has decided to September, there were a total of 113 install pickleball courts for residents that people in attendance at the monthly will be completed in 2017. Pickleball is a farmers’ markets. A survey conducted paddle sport that combines elements of at each market showed that of those tennis, badminton, and ping-pong that who completed a survey, 88.5 percent is intended for all ages and skill levels. In were Bolindale/Howland residents. 90 2017, Howland Township will work with percent of attendees made purchases at the Trumbull County CHC program to the market, with 9 percent using SNAP expand the farmers’ market to twice a and Double-Up incentives, a program in month at the Bolindale Community Park. which a SNAP user has the opportunity HHWC is planning to offer more events to double SNAP dollars after purchasing at the park and continue hosting the $5 in fresh produce. Based on the survey annual park clean-up day with Bolindale results, distance was the main reason residents. The Trumbull County CHC as to why residents did not attend the Program will continue to promote the weekly farmers’ market at Howland newly repaired park and provide residents Center. 96 percent of participants would with more physical activity opportunities attend more pop-up farmers’ markets at and access to healthy foods. Bolindale Park if available. When asked about the park changes, 70 percent reported noticing and liking the changes Your Involvement is Key at the park. The top three suggestions for further park improvements included • Participate in park events and park offering more events at the park, clean-up days to keep your local installation of a splash pad and pickleball park in good condition. courts. • Support your local park board in overseeing the operations and maintenance of the park. “It’s great to see this • Support your local farmers at park being used farmers’ markets to provide access to fresh foods to residents. again by children and families. And Sources: 1. 2016 County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, the pop-up farmers’ Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, http:// markets have been very www.countyhealthrankings.org/app/ ohio/2014/rankings/trumbull/county/ convenient for me to outcomes/overall/snapshot 2. American Fact Finder, United States Census purchase produce this Bureau, https://factfinder.census.gov/faces/ summer.” nav/jsf/pages/index.xhtml
Contact: — Bolindale Resident Jenna Amerine Trumbull County Combined Health District 330-675-7807 [email protected]
51 Union County Garden Programs Grow in Union County
Summary clients and residents worked to plant and vegetables daily). These risk factors, harvest healthy fruits and vegetables. along with unhealthy lifestyle choices Many Union County individuals and Produce was also provided to various and lack of access to healthy foods, can families struggle with food security. food pantries and community centers, lead to cancer, stroke, and heart disease, As of 2013, more than 11 percent of which increased access for those in need major contributors to the morbidity and Union County residents received food within Union County. The program not mortality rates within the county. assistance. Even with food assistance, only improved healthy food access but the nutritional quality of available food also provided garden education and skills and limited availability of healthy fruits development to those involved with the Solution and vegetables can oftentimes be a program. concern to those served. Through a To combat the county’s risk factors collaboration with local Master Gardener related to inadequate fruit and Volunteers, the Mental Health and Challenge vegetable consumption and improve Recovery Board of Union County, Dutch health outcomes, the Union County Mill Greenhouse, and West Central Data from the 2015 Union County Health Department’s Creating Healthy Community Correctional Facility, two Community Health Assessment indicates Communities Program partnered with gardening programs were established the county exhibits a high number local Master Gardener Volunteers, the to serve vulnerable populations in of risk factors including overweight/ Mental Health and Recovery Board of the community. Volunteers from West obesity (68 percent), high blood pressure Union County, Dutch Mill Greenhouse, Central Community Correctional Facility (28 percent), high cholesterol (34 and West Central Community and Mental Health and Recovery Board percent), and lack of fruit and vegetable Correctional Facility. These organizations consumption (only 8 percent of residents eat five or more servings of fruits and
52 worked together to implement two gardening programs to improve food “The collaboration access to vulnerable populations within Union County. One garden program between the Union supports healthy food access for residents County Health and clients of the Mental Health and Department and the Recovery Board, and is tended to by the residents themselves with help from the Mental Health and Master Gardener Volunteers. The second, Recovery Board helped housed at the Dutch Mill Greenhouse, is to grow good eating tended to by West Central Community Correctional Facility volunteers and habits and lifelong skills Master Gardener Volunteers. This for people in recovery.” garden provides produce to local food — Phil Atkins, PhD pantries and community centers to be distributed to those in need. Partnering organizations, like the Union County Health Department and Master Gardener Sustaining Success Volunteers transported the harvested A committee was created, consisting of produce to pantries and a community the original partnering organizations, center within the county. for each program to build upon the success of the past year and continue to Results develop sustainability in order to reach more Union County residents. The goal of both programs is to at least double Both programs yielded positive the yield of produce from this past year outcomes. In just a few short months, through the expansion of gardens as well more than 100 pounds of food were as more advanced planting techniques. planted, tended to and harvested from The Mental Health and Recovery Board the Dutch Mill garden. This produce was program also seeks to increase the delivered to two food pantries and a number of participants involved in caring community center to better reach those for and utilizing the gardens. in need. Among to 18 residents who took a short post program survey conducted about the Mental Health and Recovery Your Involvement is Key Board garden project, 39 percent stated that their fruits and vegetable You can help your community achieve consumption had increased as a result better health and greater access to of participating in the program. The local healthy foods through participation in Master Gardener Volunteers also provided community-based gardening programs. new educational and skill development Many communities already have opportunities to both the Mental Health volunteer agencies and knowledgeable and Recovery Board clients and the West gardening clubs that can help get you Central Community Correctional Facility started. Contact the Union County Contact: volunteers. Creating Healthy Communities Douglas Matthews Coordinator to learn more. You can also Union County Health Department reach out to your local food pantry and/ 937-642-2053 ext. 2027 or local community service center to [email protected] donate food or volunteer your time to help those in need.
53 Washington County Growing Better Health through a Community Garden
Summary Challenge Solution
The Marietta Community Garden has According to a Community Health Needs With the increasing success of the contributed to the community’s need Assessment produced by Community Marietta Community Garden in past for access to fresh produce at no cost Commons, 74 percent of adults in years, it was essential to expand the since 2006. Community gardens allow Washington County are consuming less garden. The Washington County CHC low-income residents to have a sense than five servings of fruits and vegetables program staff, donations, gardeners, of belonging, to be more active in the each day. In addition, Washington and volunteers were essential in helping community and to learn about the process County has an 81 percent exposure to with the expansion of the community of growing fresh foods. The past success of fast food restaurants and adult obesity garden. In addition to the CHC funding, the Marietta Community Garden has led to rates have risen to 32.8 percent. Access to $3,017.05 was leveraged for this project. the expansion of the garden in 2016. The fresh produce at a low cost is limited for The expansion served an additional 36 Washington County Health Department’s residents in Washington County, which gardeners who were selected based on Creating Healthy Communities (CHC) can contribute to an increased risk of need. The gardeners were taught the Coalition partnered with Harvest of Hope developing chronic diseases. According basics of gardening at the beginning to extend the Marietta Community Garden to Feeding America , food insecurity of the harvest season. Gardeners could to enable more community members to in Washington County is 14.5 percent, choose what foods they would like to grow their own fresh produce. indicating more than 8,000 people in grow and are also able to keep their Washington County are food insecure. own produce. Additional produce from Washington County Harvest of Hope has the garden was donated to local food been fighting to alleviate hunger and pantries. combat low access to healthy foods in communities within Washington County for the last decade.
54 Results Sustaining Success
There were more than 65 gardeners, in Harvest of Hope has many plans for six community gardens, who were given the future. The main goal of Harvest of the tools they needed to be successful in Hope is to fight hunger and provide growing their own produce. They, in turn, the opportunity for Washington County donated some of their extra produce residents to have access to free, healthy to Harvest of Hope and the agencies and fresh food items. Plans for the that Harvest of Hope serves. Overall, 300 Marietta Community Garden’s 2017 pounds of produce was harvested from harvest season include wheelchair the Marietta Community Garden in the accessible raised beds and a separate 2016 growing season. A vast variety of section for produce that will solely be produce was harvested in the garden, used for donations to food pantries. such as zucchini, peppers, tomatoes, herbs, green beans, and squash. Harvest of Hope has recovered 774,000 pounds Your Involvement is Key of food since 2006. They have had 66 truck volunteers to deliver the produce Support Harvest of Hope with Smile to food pantries since 2015. There are 24 Amazon. Follow these steps: agencies/food pantries that are served in 1. Go to smile.amazon.com Washington County with free food from 2. From the list at the right of the Harvest of Hope. screen, choose Washington County Harvest of Hope and click select. 3. Shop, place your order, and Amazon “I have been a gardener will send a check for purchases at Marietta Community directly to Harvest of Hope. Garden for six years Look out for fundraising events or now. Gardening is additional information visit us at therapeutic for me. It http://www.wchoh.org gives me a sense of being Help us end hunger by donating. Please independent. I love being mail your check to P.O. Box 902, Marietta, down there to garden OH 45750. Make all checks payable to and have some time to Washington County Harvest of Hope. myself.“ If you would like to enjoy growing your own food in a community garden, call — Dee Fouss 740-538-8811.
Contact: Rabia Karim Washington County Health Department 740-374-2782 [email protected]
55 www.odh.ohio.gov/chc