ROCAILLE ROBERTS, MPH

PROJECT DIRECTOR, HEALTHY LIVING MATTERS

65th Annual Conference of Southwest Foundations

Why Does Healthy Living Matter?

What is Healthy Living Matters?

• Collaboration of community leaders

• Mission –curb childhood obesity in Harris County through policy

• Vision

Key Stakeholders

Early Child Care Centers and Schools

Parks

Elected Officials

Industry / Business Sector

Community / Economic Development

Community Residents

Public Infrastructure

Transportation

Law Enforcement

Health Insurance Plans

Community-based organizations

Public Health Departments

Funders

Academia

Healthcare Providers

DISCOVERING THE POSSIBILITIES THROUGH ASSESSMENT

Bayou Greenways

Texas

Medical

Center

Focused on areas near elementary schools in high obesity regions within Harris County

STUDY AREAS

85%

Overweight or Obese %*

Concerned or very concerned about childhood obesity in their community

94% 95% 79%

Pasadena

Near Northside

Kashmere Gardens Overall

51% 43% n/a 33%

10

Near Northside

11

Pasadena

Additional Assessments

• Health of Houston Survey (UTSPH)

• Healthy Living Matters Survey

• Early Childcare Environment Survey

• School District/Campus Survey

• Community Health Living Index (RWJF)- Neighborhoods and After-School Sites

DISCOVERING THE POSSIBILITIES THROUGH COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Youth Engagement

“Safe sidewalks to walk or run on and even posted curfew

signs so that nobody is on them too late or early as that can

be dangerous. “

-Caitlin H., Youth Police Advisory Council

"This court is across from Wheatley. It needs to be worked on- the lights don't work and the net isn't secure. The roof leaks and people fall down."

-Kiannah, Wheatley High School

"Our vending machines are full of junk

food!"

Caitlyn F., Youth Police Advisory Council

Youth Summit May 2013

Over 80 in attendance!

Legislative Briefing February 2013

Community Forums September – October 2013

WHAT IS NEXT FOR HEALTHY LIVING MATTERS??

Plan Launch January 2014

Schools

Mo r e p o s t - i t s , p l e a s e

• Lead by Setting Expectations: • Cross-sector approaches

• System and environmental change

• Programmatic linkages to policies or standards

• Authentic community engagement (in planning)

• Capacity building & advocacy (in planning)

“…we are talking about revamping the whole way we

live.”

--Dr. Shiriki Kumanyika, Committee Member, IOM Committee on Accelerating Progress in Obesity Prevention

HEALTHY LIVING MATTERS

www.healthylivingmatters.net