Friday, November 22, 2024
11/22/2024
Arkansas has the third highest adult obesity rate in the nation and ranks 48th in overall health. Obesity is a major public health issue and is one of several major contributors to a heavy burden of chronic disease suffered by state residents. The proposed project, “Arkansas Delta Region Obesity Program” (ArDROP), addresses obesity and chronic disease in five rural Arkansas counties with adult obesity rates exceeding 40%: Chicot, Lee, Mississippi, Phillips, and St. Francis. These counties, all situated in the state’s Delta region, are characterized by persistent poverty and suffer disproportionately from poor health outcomes. Purpose. ArDROP builds on prior experiences with the 1416 High Obesity Program and will expand implementation of evidence-based strategies to increase access to healthier foods and safe, accessible places for physical activity with an aim to reduce obesity in targeted rural counties. Leveraging the credibility of county Extension offices, expertise of the land grant university system, and a broad network of state and local partners, we will use a community-based participatory approach to expand reach. Work will focus on developing and strengthening coalitions and other local groups with a stake in community health, identifying key priorities and developing capacity, and providing communities with assistance to garner or leverage resources to increase healthy food and physical activity access. Strategies. Proposed strategies include: 1) working with food vendors, distributors and producers to enhance healthier food procurement and sales; 2) establishing healthy nutrition standards in key institutions; 3) making improvements to state and local programs and systems; and 4) collaborating with partners to connect sidewalks, paths, bicycle routes, and public transit with homes, early care and education, schools worksites, parks or recreation centers through implementing master plans and land use interventions. The proposed project model includes: 1) development and support of community coalitions engaging diverse stakeholders, 2) community planning and priority selection matched with opportunities for increasing demand for and access to healthy foods and physical activity, and 3) tailored communication supporting each strategy. Outcomes. Expected short-term outcomes are demonstrated progress on: 1) activities to increase access to healthier foods, and 2) activities to connect safe and accessible places for physical activity. Intermediate outcomes focus on increased access to places that provide healthier foods and safe and accessible places for physical activity. Long-term outcomes focus on increased purchasing of healthier foods and physical activity with an emphasis on walking.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
