Reaching and Impacting Underserved Youth and Adults in Impoverished and Underserved Communities and Schools of Independence County, Arkansas

Independence County is made up of four school districts and eleven rural communities surrounding Batesville, Arkansas. These rural communities are high poverty, low income and underserved areas, and the citizens of these communities have limited or no access to community-based resources or opportunities for physical activity or nutrition, which are social determinants of health. Currently, the percentage of adults in Independence County who are overweight and obese is 74.5%. Additionally, 38.5% of students are overweight or obese. High level tactics and partnerships, tools and resources were essential in implementing effective strategies in addition to strong linkages and shared community-based resources. This impacted the health of its citizens through policy, systems and environmental change. Access to physical activity opportunities and improved nutrition have increased, resulting in immediate and sustainable changes to improve the health of citizens. Independence County utilizes all evidence-based MAPPS strategies (Media, Access, Point-of-Purchase/Promotion, Price, Social and Support Services) to drive local initiatives and build capacity. Independence County has revised its wellness policy to ensure healthy options are accessible to students and staff from a price perspective; and that all students Pre-K through 6th grade will obtain no less than 60 minutes per week of organized, quality physical activity. Lastly, Independence County has establish Joint-Use Agreements (JUAs) to provide accessible places for physical activity. School facilities are utilized during after school hours for physical activity free of charge to all citizens. Evaluation of these efforts and a sustainable plan are currently being developed to reflect the impact and reach.