A public-private partnership catalyzes multi-level obesity prevention in Louisiana

The Challenge for a Healthier Louisiana is a unique collaboration between the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation (BCBSLAF), Pennington Biomedical Research Center (PBRC), and over 175 community-based organizations throughout the state. It is a grant program funded by BCBSLAF in response to the current obesity epidemic that challenges Louisiana non-profit organizations to create innovative, multilevel obesity prevention projects within their communities. PBRC is responsible for project development and administration and for evaluating the program. An integral part of this effort has involved ongoing technical assistance, capacity building, and program monitoring and evaluation. Out of 49 applicants, 12 community collaborations were funded that aimed to increase healthy behaviors across Louisiana, namely, to improve eating habits and increase physical activity. Project activities are based on best practices, and collaborators include non-profit, for-profit, and government entities. Over $27,000,000 in combined grant and matching funds are dedicated to developing policy councils, renovating parks, building gardens and farmers markets, and implementing educational programming, among other initiatives. PBRC is working with grantees to measure changes in healthy eating and physical activity at the project level, as well as examine the statewide impact of the grant program. The public-private collaboration between BCBSLAF and PBRC has not only mobilized local and regional partnerships across the state, but has also utilized the strengths of each organization to create a scientifically sound funding opportunity that will be rigorously evaluated and widely disseminated as a model for future obesity prevention initiatives.