Steps to a Healthier Alabama

	Steps to a Healthier Alabama
2004
The Steps to a HealthierUS 5-year cooperative agreement program funds States, cities, and tribal entities to implement chronic disease prevention efforts focused on reducing the burden of diabetes, overweight, obesity, and asthma and addressing three related risk factors: physical inactivity, poor nutrition, and tobacco use. For FY 2003, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) allocated $13.6 million to fund 24 communities; in FY 2004, HHS allocated $35.8 million to increase funding to the existing 24 communities and to fund an additional 16, including 2 in Alabama, for a total of 40 communities. Amount of Award $1.5 million. Project Area River Region (population 378,451), including Autauga, Elmore, Lowndes, Macon, and Montgomery counties. Southeast Alabama Region (population 65,668), including Barbour and Pike counties. Demographics of Project Area Barbour County has a per capita annual income of $13,316. 33% of Macon County residents live below the Federal Poverty Level. Lowndes County has fewer than 19 residents per square mile but only four practicing physicians. Target Population Minority populations; rural residents; school-age children; and groups at high risk of diabetes, asthma, and obesity. Lead Agency Alabama Department of Public Health. Proposed Activities Media Television and radio stations will broadcast health messages for 10 weeks concurrently with news reports on the benefits of physical activity. Policy Advocate for more open space, physical activity facilities, and access to nonmotorized transportation (e.g., bikeways, sidewalks) to increase physical activity in the intervention areas. School Implement the School Health Index in both intervention areas. Community Use faith-based organizations as venues for screenings and risk assessments for chronic disease. Workplace Promote worksite wellness to employers through the Take Charge Challenge, a health promotion program focusing on tobacco use cessation and prevention, nutrition, and physical activity. Health Care Train health care providers to serve as role models for their patients. Evaluation HHS will provide training and technical assistance to help each Steps community develop measurable program objectives and specific indicators of progress and use relevant data to support ongoing program improvement. HHS will also conduct a national evaluation of the entire program. Existing data sources, such as the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, will be used to identify and measure program outcomes and assess progress toward program goals. Community Partners American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association, local health departments, Montgomery Area Wellness Coalition, Troy State University, Pike County Extension Service. Alabama Steps Contact Jack Hataway (334) 206-5616 jhataway@adph.state.al.us Return to Community Fact Sheets