One of YMCA's many Healthier Communities initiatives, Pioneering Healthier Communities is part of Activate America(R) — the organization's response to the nation's health crisis. Through Activate America, YMCAs are changing the way they work inside their facilities to make them more supportive for people who need help adopting and maintaining a healthier lifestyle, and they are moving outside of their walls to act as a catalyst to improve community health.
"PHC, and similar efforts, are improving America's health, one community at a time," said
The YMCA's Healthier Communities Initiatives — PHC, ACHIEVE, and the Steps program — are having an impact in 132 sites across the country. Communities involved in these initiatives have had success in influencing environmental and policy changes that affect community walkability and pedestrian safety, access to fresh fruits and vegetables, worksite wellness and physical education requirements in schools.
2008 Pioneering Healthier Communities
YMCAs in 18 communities across the country are convening local leaders this year to respond to public health challenges:
What's Next for the 2008 Pioneering Healthier Communities
Following the model of the 2004-07 communities, YMCAs in these new 18 communities will compose a team of local leaders, including elected officials, state and local directors of public health organizations, business leaders from various industries and leaders of local schools, parks and recreation departments, foundations and hospitals who will plan and implement strategies for healthy change. These teams will convene at the Pioneering Healthier Communities national conference
Pioneering Healthier Communities is funded through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Since 2004, this critical initiative has also received generous support from
For more information about Pioneering Healthier Communities go to http://www.ymca.net/activateamerica.
About Activate America(R): Pioneering Healthier Communities
Pioneering Healthier Communities (PHC) is a part of Activate America, the YMCA's response to the nation's growing health crisis. PHC was developed with expert advice and assistance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Their input is helping to build an infrastructure for replicating model programs and approaches to develop healthy communities nationwide. In past years, Y-USA was joined in this effort by National Presenting Sponsors — PepsiCo Foundation, Aquafina,
The YMCA: A Long-Standing Commitment to Health of Spirit, Mind and Body
YMCA of the
CONTACT: Kelly Kennai YMCA of the USA 202-835-9043 kelly.kennai@ymca.net
SOURCE YMCA of the