Changing Policies for Resident’s Health

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Submission Date: December 2012

State/Territory Submitted on the Behalf of: Michigan

States/Territories Involved: Michigan

Domain Addressed:

Environmental Approaches

Public Health Issue:

  • In Marquette Michigan, about 30% of residents are obese and the prevalence is rising.
  • Local access to healthy foods is lower than the national benchmark according to county health rankings for major U.S. counties.
  • Where people live matters to their health – changing community policies and environments can help make healthy choices related to eating and activity, easier choices.

Program Action:

  • Marquette, Michigan is funded as an ACHIEVE (Action Communities for Health, Innovation and Environmental Change) community by the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  • Marquette leaders attended the ACHIEVE Action Institute to learn about how policy change can make communities healthier and are now working on complete streets policies, such as Safe Routes to School projects; promoting community wellness; and improving access to healthy foods.

Impact/Accomplishments:

  • Three municipalities adopted complete streets policies that mandate planning consideration of all users of public streets – including walkers and bikers – and which help residents incorporate needed physical activity in their daily lives (Marquette, Marquette Township and Ishpeming).
  • ACHIEVE is supporting local farmers markets in Gwinn and Negaunee; community gardens in Ishpeming and Marquette; and hoop house projects at the Aspen Ridge school the Marquette Alternative High School and in Marquette Township (hoop houses extend the growing season and help teach students about healthy food in science or life skills class).
  • A new crosswalk on US 41 permits safe pedestrian travel between north and south Ishpeming and connects Marquette’s path system to the trail system along U.S. 41
  • ACHIEVE team members are influencing environmental changes in their own organizations, such as removing soda machines, eliminating trans fats from cafeterias and giving employees flex time for fitness.
  • The Community Wellness Challenge, initiated by the Mining Journal, promotes exercise and information about healthy eating & will be expanded to a wider segment of the community through an ACHIEVE effort.

Program Areas:

Healthy Communities (general)

State Contact Information:

MI
George Sedlacek
Marquette County Health Department, Retired
906-362-7427
Geo.Sedlacek@gmail.com

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