Partners of the Plan News |
Healthy Communities Program Update
Since 2009, the Healthy Communities Initiative has used an integrated approach of changing the policies, environments and systems where people live, work, play and go to school. The initiative "works upstream" to prevent and reduce the incidence of chronic disease, and also serves to strengthen the public health infrastructure through training and community partnerships. Read an update on the first five counties that are implementing the Healthy Communities Initiative. more... |
The Plan in Action:
Quality PE and Active Transportation |
Bring Quality PE to Your School District
In "Quality PE" classes, children are active at least 80% of the time, instruction and class logistics ensure a positive experience for children, and health and fitness education is integrated into the physical education setting. Lisa Rakoz, Program Supervisor for Health and Fitness Education in the Washington Office for the Superintendent of Public Instruction, conducts Quality PE workshops around the state to help districts adopt new standards. The trainings are free and provide clock hours for teachers. more... |
Lummi Nation Launches Safe Streets
The Lummi Nation celebrated the grand opening of a new pedestrian trail last month. Located beside a road where there had been numerous pedestrian fatalities, the two mile trail allows people to feel safe and have access to free physical activity. The Lummi Planning Department, in coordination with Whatcom County and other partners, secured funding to develop a bicycle and pedestrian corridor along Haxton Way. At the celebration, Shasta Cano-Martin, Executive Director of the Lummi CEDAR Project, helped to hand out safety kits with flashlights and reflective arm bands to further promote walking safely. A slogan for the Lummi Safe Streets Project is "Reflect to Protect." more... |
Planning for Active Transportation
Throughout the state, communities are making it easier for people of all ages and abilities to walk, bike or paddle. These changes are supported by good planning to ensure that work on sidewalks, walking trails and bike baths leads to "connectivity" and enhanced accessibility and safety.The National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program provides technical assistance to jurisdictions in their local trail and outdoor recreational planning. more... |
Low Income Farmers Market in Spokane
Partners in Spokane designed a farmers market specifically for low income families. They strategically thought about the location, the partnership with growers, pricing, payment options and even scheduling. The project is funded by a grant from USDA to the Washington State WIC Program.The program creates sustainable partnerships between WIC agencies and food system partners in 12 communities. more... |
Employer Breastfeeding Policy Resources
In Washington State, the Breastfeeding Coalition of Washington is the top resource for employers planning to set workplace policies to support breastfeeding. Their resources and trainings designed around the Business Case for Breastfeeding highlight the financial benefits of creating a breastfeeding-friendly workplace. more... |
Promoting Healthy Eating Environments in King County Through Healthy Corner Store Initiatives
First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move Campaign highlighted a Washington State project, Healthy Foods Here, in a recent blog post. The project is part of the Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW) initiative being implemented by Public Health - Seattle & King County and 55 community partners. Healthy Foods Here works with business owners in "food deserts" where residents have limited access to healthy foods. more... |
USDA Call for Applications for Summer Food Service Program Projects
Application Deadline: December 15
Healthy Youth, Healthy Futures WA Mini-Grant
Application Deadline: January 14
Nathan Cummings Foundation
Application deadline: January 15
Health Impact Project: Advancing Smarter Policies for Healthier Communities
Application Deadline: Open
Learn more...
|
- Cultivating Regional Food Security Conference
December 4 & 5 -- Seattle. WA - Schools Out Washington Professional Development Workshop
December 10, 2010 - Seattle, WA - Food Service Professional Seminar
January 21, 2011 - Seattle, WA - International Conference on Health, Wellness and Society
January 20-22, 2011 - Berkeley, CA - People, Parks & Politics: "How to Infiltrate Your Government"
January 25-26, 2011- Olympia, WA
More on these events and others... |
Powerful Choices: Healthy Living in a Media World
A media literacy curriculum containing four lessons designed for 3rd to 6th graders that encourages kids to reduce screen time, increase physical activity, and become "media savvy" and responsible consumers of screen-based media. Each lesson includes a detailed lesson plan with background information and learning objectives, activity sheets, and an optional PowerPoint presentation. Lessons 1 and 2 also include newsletters that students can share with parents to build screen time awareness at home.
|