Creating an obesity prevention network to collectively impact obesity in Wisconsin

background.  To combat obesity, the Institute of Medicine reports the need for a systems-based approach.  Collective impact has emerged as a viable means for aligning systems, and the Wisconsin Obesity Prevention Network (WOPN), a collaborative group of statewide partners from community organizations to government agencies, was established in 2012 to implement a common, systems-based agenda for obesity prevention in Wisconsin.

methods. WOPN began with literature reviews on network building, community organizing, social network analysis, and collective impact. Key informant interviews (n=80) and a web-based survey (n=836) were conducted to determine capacity needs and local priorities.  Individual and collaborative meetings were held to discuss collective impact and strategic alignment of partners, funding, and resources.

results. WOPN has increased awareness of obesity prevention; the web-based survey generated a 30% response rate and indicated broad, cross-sector support for creating better connections for shared vision and shared measurement of processes and outcomes. Development of a core leadership team and staff allowed WOPN to begin functioning as a ‘backbone’ organization for collective impact. An agenda setting process in multiple community settings (i.e., childcare, built environment) is underway and a statewide obesity prevention initiative has been funded to build on WOPN’s infrastructure, expand local community action and research and create a statewide surveillance system.

conclusions. Addressing obesity prevention at the level of policies, systems, and environmental factors has enabled connectivity across diverse sectors and leveraged funding. Collective work around identified statewide priorities is being assessed for its ability to amplify the effectiveness of obesity prevention interventions.