Communities putting prevention to work (CPPW): Evaluation of healthy eating and physical activity policies, practices and environmental supports in metropolitan government departments in Nashville, Tennessee

INTRODUCTION. Nashville's CPPW initiative sought to increase workplace policies and practices that support healthy eating, lactation, exercise, and active transit among 55 Metro departments. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the extent to which policies and practices changed during the grant funded period, 2010-2012. METHODS. An electronic survey was developed based on question items selected from previously validated instruments and national guidelines/standards for each focus area measured. The survey was emailed to all department leaders resulting in 39 responses during the fall of 2012 and 2013. RESULTS. New policies were adopted in the areas of focus and revealed the following department-wide pre-post changes: healthy eating (5%-18%); lactation support (0%-18%); exercise (5%-21%); active transit (3%-8%). Practice and environmental supports increased department-wide. Percentage changes pre-post were as follows: healthy eating (43%-66%); lactation support (48%-72%); exercise (21%-32%); and active transit (22%-33%). DISCUSSION. Positive changes in workplace wellness policies and practices occurred across all Metro departments during the grant funded period. The CPPW healthier workplace campaign was strengthened by a “Worksite Challenge,” a mayoral lead call to action for healthier workplaces community-wide. Results at the department level and estimates of reach will be presented. Examples that illustrate the roadmap to adoption and strengthening of policies and practices and the barriers encountered will be discussed.