Washtenaw Steps Up off to a running start

Washtenaw County Public Health and the Washtenaw County Health Improvement Plan (HIP) have partnered with five communities in Washtenaw County to improve cardiovascular health through environmental and policy changes… [more]

National Kidney Foundation of Michiganproduces cable TV series on African American health

A four-part series called “Tackling the African American Health Crisis of Hypertension, Diabetes and Kidney Failure” will be offered on cable channel 19 this month. [more]

Five local businesses receive 2005 “Healthy Workplace Awards”

As part of the celebration of National Public Health Week the Washtenaw County Public Health Department recognized 5 local businesses who are creating a healthier workplace for their employees. [more]

Food security addressed in the Ypsilanti Gateway

Economic difficulties have intensified the food security concerns of residents living in the gateway area of Ypsilanti. The Washtenaw County Family Nutrition Program staff is there to help them cope creatively and resourcefully. [more]

HIP Committee Updates

The March 8 Community Health Committee featured information about three new community campaigns:

• Reality Check: a counter-advertising campaign by and for middle school students in Washtenaw and Livingston Counties. The website is www.myrealitycheck.org. [presentation]
• WCPH and local community groups launch Washtenaw Steps Up, a community-led project to implement policy and environmental changes that promote physical activity, healthy eating, and tobacco-free lifestyles.
• Smoke-Free Apartment Initiative. Jim Bergman, Center for Social Gerontology, described how Washtenaw County tobacco reduction advocates are taking part in this state-wide campaign. The initiative includes a marketing campaign to landlords, an on-line smoke-free apartment registry, and a website: http://www.mismokefreeapartment.org/ with information for both landlords and tenants.

The next CHC meeting is scheduled for May 10, 12:00 – 1:30, LLRC Room A. The topic of the meeting is Obesity and the Built Environment, featuring guest speaker Christine Erdman, PhD, UM Schoolof Public Health. Dr. Erdman will describe a walkability assessment project recently completed by several school of public health student groups.

The HIP Implementation Team has been busy finalizing the 2005 HIP survey instrument. Read the latest meeting minutes [here].

Community Resources and Events (Click on title for more information)

• May 9 Heart Off the Hill Event offers opportunity to speak to local legislators
• May 15 Symposium on the Crisis in Health Insurance Panel of local experts will discuss health care delivery to uninsured
• May 16 Saline Family Fun Night and Dialogue on Childhood Weight and Physical Activity
• May 24 Washtenaw Steps Up Regional Training, WC Health Department, 555 Towner, 9-2:30 PM
• Free CME/CE Credits for Addressing New Women’s Cardiovascular Disease Guidelines
• Volunteers needed for July Stroke Camp 2005
• New free web resource links older adults with fitness facilities

Partnerships in Progress

Manchester High School and the Community Resource Center recently offered "The Alternative Choices:  Helping Youth Make Healthy Eating and Fitness Decisions" to twenty students enrolled in its alternative education program. [More]

For more information

For more information about HIP or the next CHC meeting, please contact Jenna Bacolor at (734) 544-2969 or bacolorj@ewashtenaw.org

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What do you think of the new HIP Happenings e-newsletter format? Let us know here: bacolorj@ewashtenaw.org.