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Community Fitness Initiative (CFI): Lexington
In 2006 individuals from Tri-County
Hospital, the Lexington Public Schools, the Lexington Community Foundation,
The City of Lexington, local agencies, and local businesses initiated a
partnership to improve the health and wellness of our citizens. The catalyst
for the organization stemmed from a desire of Cal Hiner, CEO of Tri-County
Hospital, to develop a program to address childhood obesity. Led by Mr.
Hiner, the community embarked on a journey to improve the fitness of their
children.
The first meeting on August 1, 2006
drew participants from all sectors of the community. Individuals from
Tri-County Hospital and from Lexington Public Schools provided a wealth of
information on the national childhood obesity epidemic and on the specific
characteristics of Lexington’s school children. School data indicated that
85 percent of Lexington’s
elementary school children were in the at-risk or obese category. The first
meeting exceeded the seating capacity of the Tri-County Hospital boardroom,
so future meetings were moved to the Community Health and Fitness Center.
The all-volunteer group decided to name the effort the Community Fitness
Initiative (CFI). The primary goals of CFI were expressed in the Mission and
Purpose statements discussed and adopted in the Fall of 2006:
Mission Statement
The Community Fitness Initiative (CFI)
is a community based approach to improving the health and well-being of
Lexington’s citizens. Beginning with the support of Tri-County Hospital, the
Lexington Public Schools, and the Lexington Community Foundation, CFI brings
together a diverse set of stakeholders with the common goal of improving the
quality of life in Lexington through the development and implementation of
sustainable wellness programs.
Purpose Statement
The initial focus of CFI is to address
childhood obesity. CFI will gather information to identify existing
resources and areas of concern, develop appropriate programs to address
childhood obesity, seek outside funding for program-related activities,
evaluate the effectiveness and sustainability of programs, and coordinate
efforts between multiple agents of change.
Community Based Approach
While many groups have now recognized
that action addressing childhood obesity is imperative, the CFI
approachunique in that it involves the entire community. CFI operates
without a paid executive director and relies on an alvolunteer group of
committee members. The Community Based approach is recognized as the most
effective mechanism for addressing complex issues. However, it is also
recognized that the approach is inherently messy atimes. Bringing together a
truly diverse set of participants, each with a unique perspective on the
issue at hand reqflexibility and adaptability. The goal of CFI is not to
streamline and control all processes and debate, the goal is teffectively
involve the greater community. Changing the existing pattern of eating
habits and physical activity is naccomplished quickly or easily.
The Committee invited a number of guest
speakers, including Michael Ray, Physical Activity Coordinator for the
Nebraska Health and Human Services System and Dr. Kate Heelan, Assistant
Professor of Health, Physical Education and Recreation at UNK. Dr. Heelan is
responsible for several on-going community fitness activities. From
Lexington, Victor Diaz spoke about the Boys and Girls club proposal and
Dennis Burnside provided information on existing physical education
infrastructure in city parks and the city’s Hike and Bike trail plan. These
visits have been fruitful. Mr. Ray and Dr. Heelan expressed a willingness to
assist the committee. Dr. Heelan helped create the Health Report Cards
piloted in Spring, 2007, at Morton Elementary School and has agreed to serve
as the childhood obesity expert. Terry Krohn, Two Rivers Health Department,
began attending meetings in the Fall. From this, she has carried CFI
materials and tools to other areas she serves.
Committee Organization
CFI’s structure includes a chairperson
(Leslie Marsh), a financial officer (Gretchen Heckenlively) and a secretary
(Rebecca Garrelts) all from Tri-County Hospital. The group decided to create
a steering committee to offer program guidance, address detailed planning
and provide financial oversight. Dr. Allan Jenkins, an Economics Professor
from the University of Nebraska at Kearney was asked to serve as the group
facilitator. Dr. Jenkins was selected on the basis of his experience in
grant writing and participation in health care policy for the University.
Committee Activity
CFI members began the process by
conducting a gap analysis using a
needs identification matrix. The group
was then divided into three sub-committees; education, behavior and
facilities. The goal of each subcommittee was to more fully explore the gap
between existing and additional resources needed to address CFI goals. This
approach provided both focus and organization. Further, the information
obtained was used for identifying suitable grant opportunities. Finally, the
process developed by the Committee clarified the importance of communication
among the various organizations and entities within the community.
The group planned a kick-off
in conjunction with the hospital’s 30th anniversary celebration. Event
activities included a bike rodeo with helmets for all participants. CFI gave
away one bike, generously donated by WalMart, to increase public awareness
and generate enthusiasm.
Fall activities included:
- Participation in the dedication of the
Skateboard park
- Parent teacher conferences providing
educational materials and healthy snacks
- Orange/black walk for elementary school
children at Halloween
Spring activities included:
- Teammates
Summer activities included:
- Participation in Elementary School Field Day
- Childhood Obesity Camp
Also during the summer, the committee
is finalizing plans for the Nebraska Safe Routes to School kick-off
activities, create a challenge to energize participation, and explore a
variety of motivational approaches. See the
Healthy Kids Day Event schedule for an
example of the activities included.
Grant Activity
Tri-county Hospital has accepted a lead
role in providing funds for CFI activities. Early grant activities included
a matching grant involving Tri-County Hospital and the Lexington Foundation.
In 2007, the committee submitted applications for a $23,000 Nebraska Safe
Routes to School Grant and a $150,000 Minority Health Initiatives Grant.
Further, the committee is planning to submit a Robert Wood Johnson grant.
Future Plans
In addition to items discussed above,
the Committee intends to pursue additional funding opportunities from local,
state, regional, and national sources. Members are also exploring the
possibility of creating a customized cook-book and compiling a more formal
community calendar of all events and opportunities available in Lexington.
As CFI has begun to operate, it is increasingly clear that communication
with the school system is a critical component of success. Beginning in May,
select CFI members will meet on a monthly basis with the Principals and
School Superintendent.
Applying the well-established Education,
Intervention and Evaluation model CFI began by conducting needs assessments,
creating educational materials, and structuring committee organization;
these activities effectively enhanced community awareness. Interventions,
planned for 2007/2008 include using the ‘Walking School Bus’ model,
expanding the Student Health report card, and creating an inter-school
challenge intended to increase activity through motivation and incentives.
This structure provides the framework for outcomes measurement which should
begin in the third year.
CFI Needs Assessment
Healthy Kids Day Events
If you have any questions or would like your hospital's quality
initiatives to be featured on the NHA Web site, contact Monica Seeland, Vice
President, Quality Initiatives, (402) 742-8152 or mseeland@nhanet.org.
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