Sunday, November 24, 2024
11/24/2024
In Louisiana (LA), obesity is a prominent problem and challenge. According to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data (BRFSS) of 2015, the United States (US) has an adult obesity rate of 29.6% while LA has a higher rate of 35.5% with over 10% (7 of 64) of the parishes (counties) having an adult obesity rate over 40%. Because of this high prevalence of obesity, LA citizens disproportionally suffer from higher rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke. The Louisiana State University Agricultural Center (LSU AgCenter), part of the LA Cooperative Extension Service (CES), along with state, regional and local partners, propose to implement a 5-year project that will address obesity in high-obesity, high-poverty, rural communities. The goal of this project, Healthy Access, Behaviors and Communities II (Healthy ABCs), is to build upon previous work from our Healthy ABC’s CDC High Obesity Program (HOP) grant and continue to utilize and leverage local CES to expand implementation of evidence-based strategies that increase access to healthier foods and safe and accessible places for PA leading to a reduction in the obesity burden in the target parishes (counties). Strategies and activities within this project will continue to utilize a community-participatory approach that will address the individual, interpersonal, organizational, community and policy sectors of influence within the Socio-Ecological Model framework. As this project is developed and implemented, the LSU AgCenter will continue to collaborate and communicate with both internal and external partners representing these sectors to reduce barriers and improve access resulting in a reduction of obesity and other associated health conditions in the seven targeted parishes. Steered by community coalitions and facilitated by the local Cooperative Extension Agent, this project will increase access to healthier foods as well as safe and accessible places for physical activity for residents in seven targeted parishes. Increased access and opportunities will result in an increase purchasing of healthier foods among and throughout the community and region. This project is also expected to increase PA, specifically walking among residents. Other anticipated program outcomes include increase knowledge related to healthy behaviors, increase community resident and stakeholder awareness of and capacity to engage in healthy communities planning, and increase community practices (policy, systems and environmental change) that promote healthy behaviors. It is expected that these changes will, in turn, improve physical activity and nutrition, reduce obesity, and prevent and control diabetes, heart disease and stroke among residents in these targeted parishes.
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).
