Healthy Living, Healthy Communities

It's getting easier to be healthy in Washtenaw County! Communities across the county have "stepped up" and are working to reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease and other chronic diseases by promoting active living, healthy eating, and smoke-free environments. Washtenaw Steps Up (WSU) works to create environments and governmental/institutional policies and practices that support these healthy lifestyles choices.

Started in 2005, WSU is a program coordinated by Washtenaw County Public Health and funded by the Michigan Department of Community Health's Cardiovascular Health, Nutrition and Physical Activity Section. Many other local organizations also provide support. Through this project, Washtenaw County Public Health has partnered with three health coalitions in Ypsilanti, Saline, and Chelsea/Dexter/Manchester. Together, we work to assess our community environments, prioritize actions, and implement changes.

Washtenaw County Public Health staff supports the coalitions by:

• Providing funding through the Washtenaw Steps Up grant
• Facilitating the completion of required assessment tools
• Assisting communities identify research-based policy and environmental change strategies
• Providing technical assistance for policy and environmental projects

WSU was designed in support of the Michigan Surgeon General's Michigan Steps Up initiative, which invites all Michigan people, businesses and communities to step up to a healthier lifestyle.

We're Making a Difference

All three of the coalitions funded by WSU have been busy making changes for the better. Visit the coalition websites listed below for more information on their exciting projects.

• Chelsea, Dexter, Manchester: hospital farmers' market, walking maps, bike racks, benches, migrant farm worker nutrition education...
• Saline: walking maps, trail development, community garden...
• Ypsilanti: downtown farmers' market, bike racks, bike map, community gardens, park improvements...

Become Involved

Whether you are a city planner, business owner, teacher, or community member, you can be part of this exciting program. Contact Lily Guzman (734-544-2983) Health Educator with Washtenaw County Public Health for more information!

Washtenaw Steps Up is made possible through funding from Michigan Department of Community Health and Washtenaw County Public Health, local community agency donations and the hard work of coalition members.

Reviewed: 3/24/08