Steps to a HealthierWA is part of a national health promotion and disease prevention initiative entitled Steps to a HealthierUS, launched by the Department of Health and Human Services in 2003.
This 5-year cooperative agreement program is made possible by one of 12 grants awarded to states for small cities and rural communities to help prevent and manage asthma, diabetes, and obesity through initiatives that improve nutrition, physical inactivity, and tobacco use enabling Americans to live healthier, longer, and more productive lives. Washington is the only state to receive both a rural community and large city Steps grant.
In North Central Washington, workgroups have been formed to determine key activities in the focus areas of school, worksite, healthcare, and community. There were 15 mini-grants totaling $59,337.00 awarded to local organizations for implementing effective activities. Partnerships are being formed to ensure sustainability of the initiatives.
Chelan, Douglas and Okanogan grant efforts are organized through a “Leadership Team” which is comprised of Central Washington Hospital, Chelan-Douglas Health District, Columbia Valley Community Health, Get Fit Foods, Gold’s Gym, North Central Educational Service District, North Central Washington Rural Health Foundation, Okanogan County Public Health, Together For a Drug Free Youth, Wenatchee Racquet & Athletic Club, Wenatchee Valley Medical Center, WSU Extension, and the YMCA. The role of the “Leadership Team” is to serve as a steering committee and assist in setting the direction of the project and oversee the general programs toward achieving the goals of the project.
