264178 Feasibility of Implementing Evidence-Based, Community-Wide Initiatives: Lessons Learned from a Multi-Component Obesity Prevention Initiative

Wednesday, October 31, 2012 : 9:10 AM - 9:30 AM

Melissa Tibbits, PhD , Health Promotion, Social & Behavioral Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
Hongmei Wang, PhD , Health Services Research and Administration, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
Mary Balluff, MS, RD , Douglas County Health Department, Omaha, NE
Evidence-based policy and environmental change strategies implemented successfully and sustained over time show great promise at reversing the obesity epidemic in the United States. This presentation will discuss the lessons learned from the implementation of the CDC-funded Douglas County, NE Putting Prevention to Work obesity prevention initiative. The initiative includes nine policy and environmental change strategies, including: development of signage focused on sharing the road with cyclists; development of bike share programs at local college campuses; modifications to the city's Master Plan to accommodate active living; promotion of active transportation to and from primary schools; collaboration with local businesses and organizations and after school providers to encourage adoption of policies that promote physical activity and healthy eating; provision of technical assistance to store owners in underserved areas to help them incorporate and maintain healthy food selections; promotion of the use of locally grown foods within schools; and implementation of a social marketing campaign to promote active living and healthy eating. Community readiness for the adoption and implementation of these strategies will be discussed, including the methods by which readiness was enhanced. Additionally, key highlights from the first year evaluation will be presented. This will include information about the successes and challenges faced by each strategy and the overall impact of those successes and challenges. Finally, lessons learned about the essential factors for effective implementation will be discussed, such as building on existing strengths, setting realistic goals, continually monitoring progress, and making evidence-based strategies community-relevant.

Learning Areas:
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related public policy

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe key elements of the process of implementing a multi-component, community-wide initiative. 2. Identify strategies for addressing implementation challenges of multi-component, community-wide initiatives.

Keywords: Obesity, Prevention

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have extensive graduate-level training and experience relevant to implementing and evaluating evidence-based programs.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.