In order to prompt community change to foster heart healthy environments, Missouri developed a package of materials which assists communities in 1) assessing the community's perception of policy and environmental barriers to physical activity and good nutrition; 2) prioritizing the barriers; and, 3) implementing a plan to address a particular barrier and evaluate any changes. A short community assessment of local policy and environmental conditions related to physical activity and nutrition is the crux of this process. It measures the community's perception of key policy and environmental indicators. The process is facilitated through the local public health departments who administer the assessment to a convenience sample in the community and use the results to direct local changes. Outcomes from this process have included bulldozing of a walking path at a newly designated city park; establishment of a community garden; creating policies to open school gyms for community use, etc.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be familiar with a community-based process for assessing community perception of policy and environmental conditions and facilitating change.
Keywords: Community Health Assessment, Evaluation
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.