This project 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, increase physical activity and prevent tobacco use. The grant money is funded through 2008 by a cooperative agreement between the Washington State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Washington is the only state to receive both a rural community and large city Steps grant. 
The first year rural community’s grant was $1.5 million awarded to four Steps communities: Chelan-Douglas-Okanogan Counties, Community Choices 2010 in Clark County, Thurston County Public Health & Social Services, and Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. (See WA Grant Map Link)
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 of up to $5,000 awarded to local organizations for implementing effective activities. Partnerships are being formed to ensure sustainability of the initiatives.
In year two, work on the initiatives was strengthened by additional partnerships and support of efforts that will result in policy and systems change. Evaluation measures at both the state and the local level are being utilized to ensure effectiveness of the initiatives and assist in project planning.
Help Reduce Obesity, Asthma, Tobacco Use and Diabetes!
The new millennium brings new challenges to individual’s health and the cost of healthcare in America. Our nation is now faced with the ever increasing burden of chronic illness created by the effects of poor diet, inadequate exercise and negative behaviors such as smoking.
Steps is working hard to build and put in place effective programs that will prevent and manage asthma, diabetes, as well as obesity. With healthcare becoming more and more unaffordable, we will be impacting those areas that have the greatest effect on our nation’s physical and fiscal fitness.
Schools, Worksites, Healthcare and Communities Take Action!
In these four focus areas, we have implemented more than 25 initiatives to help reach the Steps project goal.
It is exciting to see our community engage such diverse groups of health-minded public and private organizations in a partnership for healthier living in North Central Washington.
Schools are embracing tough issues surrounding school lunches and physical education in the midst of the pressures of education reform. Worksites are developing policies that address tobacco use and are implementing wellness programs that not only improve employee health, but also increase their return on investment (ROI) of the business. Clinics, hospitals, and public healthcare providers are entering into collaboratives and forming agreements that foster improved health outcomes for all patients. Community partnerships are increasing awareness and providing support and recognition for efforts being made to meet these challenges.
