|
       
|
Obesity Resource Toolkit
 |
|
Concerned about the rising issues of obesity, the CT Association of Directors of Health in collaboration with Central AHEC, Holt, Wexler, and Farnam, LLP, and the CT Department of Public Health have come together to provide recommendations and intervention strategies for the management and prevention of obesity and overweight for CT residents. It has become increasingly evident that obesity and overweight conditions are reaching epidemic levels across the nation and in Connecticut. Currently, 56.1% of CT’s adult population is either overweight (37.1%) or obese (18%). In fact, between 1994 and 2002, CT experienced a 52% increase in the prevalence of obesity.
As a means for promoting obesity prevention and intervention efforts at the community-level, a Resource Toolkit is currently under development by CADH for dissemination among local health departments. The Resource Toolkit will provide the resources and supporting materials necessary to assist local health departments and community stakeholders better define obesity related risk factors in the community and develop strategies to reduce obesity and overweight. Utilizing the experiences and lessons learned of East Hartford Health Department and the Ledgelight Health District, Obesity Prevention Program Pilot Sites, the toolkit will include “best practice and process” recommendations and resources to promote the prevention and management of obesity within a variety of settings. As a guide for the community planning process, the resource toolkit will include information on: engaging stakeholders, conducting a community assessment, holding a community forum, sample interventions by setting, developing and implementing an action plan, getting media involved, as well as conducting an evaluation.
Equipped with “best practices and process” recommendations identified throughout the Resource Toolkit, local health departments can continue to serve as a vital conduit to develop realistic, sustainable strategies to support and enhance healthy lifestyle practices for all residents. “Working together, schools, employers, civic groups, town agencies, healthcare providers, and food purveyors, can accomplish a great deal. We can make a difference in the health and well-being of community residents” said Baker Salsbury, Director of Health and Social Services East Hartford Health Department.
If you would like an update on the progress of this project or would like to share an innovative community obesity initiative, please contact Violet Vincent, CADH, at 860-727-9874.
|
|
|
|
