Linking Strategies in Violence Prevention & Obesity Prevention

Background/Purpose The presentation will describe implementing a cross-cutting strategy that brings together violence prevention and obesity prevention advocates. In Westwood, the community is poor, has a high crime rate and high rate of obesity and other weight and heart disease-related illnesses. Through new, innovative partnerships, healthy eating and active living is being achieved through a unique avenue: violence prevention.

Methods This pilot project from the Convergence Institute will implement evidence-based strategies that both prevent violence and promote healthy eating and active living. At the time of the APHA conference, the partnership will have completed nine months of project implementation, focused on creating alternatives to crime through1) sustainable jobs in urban agriculture for at-risk youth and gang-affiliated families at a local training farm, and 2) building a new park with exercise opportunities in an under-served area.

Results/Outcomes The emphasis of the presentation will be on the initial learning about bringing together a multi-sectoral, interdisciplinary partnership which includes City Councilman Paul Lopez, LiveWell Westwood, Sisters of Color United for Education, Gang Rescue and Support Project, and Denver Health. These organizations have a long history of community work in health, community organizing, and violence prevention, however, this pilot is the first time these organizations, with seemingly disparate missions, have collaborated.

Conclusions The collaboration of violence prevention and public health is a new but promising field in the promotion of healthy eating and active living. The organizations bring separate but complementary experience and knowledge to the field presenting a rich learning opportunity.