Clark County Public Health awarded grant to promote physical activity, nutrition strategies

Public Health is one of four communities selected by the Washington Department of Health to receive funding

VANCOUVER — Clark County Public Health has been awarded a five-year, $300,000 grant to implement strategies to improve physical activity and nutrition among adults and children. Public Health will use the Local Strategies for Physical Activity and Nutrition grant to focus on four areas: nutrition guidelines, breastfeeding-friendly environments, nutrition and active play policies in early childhood settings, and physical activity-friendly built environments. Public Health is one of four communities selected by the Washington Department of Health to receive funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention grant. Public Health will receive $60,000 annually for up to five years. Public Health’s chronic disease prevention program staff will work with local partners to implement effective, sustainable policies that impact populations with the greatest health disparities. Here are some ways Public Health plans to utilize the grant funding:

Breastfeeding-friendly environments

• Provide employers with resources to make their businesses more breastfeeding friendly, such as miniature refrigerators for milk storage, room dividers or breast pumps. Interested employers can contact Public Health, (564) 397-7312 or [email protected], to see if they’re eligible for resources and to learn more about how Public Health can help employers create breastfeeding-friendly workplaces.
• Support Clark County Breastfeeding Coalition efforts to promote breastfeeding at worksites and establish a recognition program for breastfeeding-friendly businesses. Visit the Clark County Breastfeeding Coalition webpage for more information about the group.

Nutrition guidelines

• Partner with employers and community organizations working with local youth to increase healthy eating options. For example, work with community organizations to offer healthy options at concession stands during youth sporting events.

Physical activity-friendly built environments

• Continue work with local jurisdictions to ensure communities are accessible to people of all abilities, such as safe pathways for use by walkers, bicyclists and people with limited mobility.

Nutrition and active play policies in early childhood settings

• Increase opportunities for healthy eating and active learning at early learning centers. This work will take place in later grant years.

Visit the Public Health chronic disease prevention webpage to learn more about efforts to improve physical activity and nutrition in Clark County. Information provided by Clark Co. WA Communications.