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Funding Period:
2004–2009
The Steps Program in Santa Clara County,
California
CDC’s Steps Program funds states, cities, and tribal groups to implement
community-based chronic disease prevention programs to reduce the burden of
obesity, diabetes, and asthma by addressing three related risk factors:
physical inactivity, poor nutrition, and tobacco use. Steps-funded programs
are showing what can be done locally in schools, work sites, communities,
and health care settings to promote healthier lifestyles and help people
make long-lasting and sustainable changes that can reduce their risk for
chronic diseases.
Background
The majority of Santa Clara County residents are members of racial or
ethnic minority groups, who often experience disparities in access to health
care and higher rates of chronic diseases. The county’s population is 53%
Hispanic or Latino, 24% Asian, 18% non-Hispanic white, and 3% non-Hispanic
black or African American. The median household income is $76,686, and about
8% of county residents live below the federal poverty level (2005 U.S.
Census Bureau estimates). The Santa Clara County Steps Program is working
with local leaders to build a healthier community through health promotion
efforts in work sites, health care settings,
and 66 county schools.
Spotlight on Success
The Santa Clara County Steps Program developed and implemented a
community engagement model for one Hispanic San Jose neighborhood that can
be replicated in other neighborhoods. The program trained 19 local
promotores (Spanish-speaking health workers) to use a standardized
survey tool to collect information about their neighborhood’s access to
healthy foods and physical activity venues. After the data were analyzed,
the promotores helped interpret and present the information to groups
of neighbors, colleagues, and community members in several forums. As a
result, gaining access to a neighborhood farmers’ market became a community
priority, and 56% of those involved in the process expressed interest in
helping set up a local farmers’ market. The participation of local residents
in data collection, interpretation, and presentation gave
the community direct access to valuable information that empowered
individual involvement and served as a catalyst for personal growth and
community change.
Community Partnerships
The Steps Program in Santa Clara County partners with local government
agencies and many other organizations, including Kaiser Permanente, Silicon
Valley corporations, and health-related organizations in Mexico. Ongoing
Steps Leadership Team meetings provide an opportunity for community partners
to share information and strengthen ties.
Contact
Steps to a Healthier Santa Clara County
Santa Clara County Public Health Department
Nutrition & Wellness Unit
Telephone: 408-792-5132
www.sccphd.org/steps*
*Links to non-Federal organizations are provided solely as a
service to our users. Links do not constitute an endorsement of any organization
by CDC or the Federal Government, and none should be inferred. The CDC is
not responsible for the content of the individual organization Web pages found
at this link.
One or more documents on this Web page are available in Adobe Acrobat® Format
(PDF).
You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view PDF files on this page.
Page last reviewed: May 2, 2008
Page last modified: July 29, 2008
Content source: Division of Adult and
Community Health, National
Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
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