Achieving collective impact through interdisciplinary interagency and other partnerships

The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District (Metro Health) received $15.6 Million through a Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW) grant to address obesity in Bexar County by implementing policy, system, and environmental changes. . About 68% of Bexar County Residents are either obese or overweight. Method: To achieve sustainable changes in policies and local environments Metro Health had to develop an enhanced network of community partners and stakeholders. Through a variety of formal and informal mechanisms including networking, joint project development, and subcontracting Metro Health collaborated with many agencies including multiple city departments, community based organizations, municipal planning entities, public housing agencies, non-profits, and school districts to address healthy eating and active living. Results: CPPW successfully engaged a broad array of partners including many that had not previously identified as having a direct role in community health. Grant infrastructure, reporting and funding mechanisms provided a framework for joint accomplishment of over 40 initiatives to address obesity. Accomplishments included passage of a complete streets policy, construction of the first shared use projects at school and public housing sites, installation of fitness equipment at 28 parks and 5 libraries, the placement of nutrition and PE equipment in hundreds of schools, , and the launch of a series of “open streets” physical activity events, Discussion: In addition to the specific accomplishments of the grant it is expected that the partnerships cultivated among a diverse group of public health and non-traditional partners will continue to provide opportunities for promoting health and ensuring program sustainability.