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Funding Period:
2003–2008
The Steps Program in Chelan, Douglas, and
Okanogan Counties, Washington
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
Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan Counties are rural areas in north-central
Washington State; Chelan is the only county with a city large enough to be
designated as a metropolitan area. One American Indian tribe is located in
parts of Okanogan and Douglas Counties. The three counties together have
approximately 140,000 residents, of whom 25% to 30% are Hispanic or American
Indian, and 14% to 22% live below the federal poverty level; median
household income ranges from $32,052 to $43,372 (2005 U.S. Census Bureau
estimates). The target populations of this Steps Program’s initiatives are
racial and ethnic minority groups, people living below the federal poverty
level, and the elderly.
Spotlight on Success
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The
Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan Counties Steps Program partnered with the
local Chamber of Commerce to establish the Healthiest Business
Challenge, which brings together businesses in two counties for a
contest focusing on healthy work-site activities. Employers and
employees earn points for activities such as using the stairs,
establishing a walking program, drinking water, eating fruits and
vegetables, and implementing written policies on tobacco, healthy
meeting foods, fitness, breastfeeding, and healthy vending machine use.
Since 2005, 34 businesses and almost 6,750 employees completed the
challenge. Read this success story in The Steps Program in Action,
available at
www.cdc.gov/steps/success_stories/pdf/washington.pdf (PDF- 97KB).
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Promotores (Spanish-speaking community health promoters) trained by
this Steps Program have provided health education and referrals to more
than 1500 people each year throughout the community, including at farm
worker migrant camps. Diabetes awareness media campaigns and surveys
have reached both Spanish- and English-speaking populations across all
three counties.
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This Steps Program helped conduct “safe routes” assessments in the two
largest towns. These efforts influenced policy development and resulted
in environmental changes that promote safe biking and walking.
Twenty-one rural communities have started walking programs.
Community Partnerships
The Steps Program activities are guided by a coalition whose leadership
team includes members from 13 organizations representing the health care,
business, education, and community service sectors. Coalition members
include the Chelan-Douglas Health District, Get Fit Foods, Gold’s Gym, North
Central Educational Service District, Washington State University Extension,
Wenatchee Valley YMCA, Central Washington Hospital, Columbia Valley
Community Health, Okanogan County Public Health, Wenatchee Valley Medical
Center, Chelan-Douglas Together For Drug Free Youth, North Central
Washington Rural Health Foundation, and Wenatchee Racquet & Athletic Club.
In addition, many other community partners participate as appropriate on a
broad spectrum of initiatives.
Contact
Steps to a HealthierWA–Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan Counties
Chelan-Douglas Health District
Telephone: 509-886-6400
www.ncwsteps.org*
*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: July 31, 2008
Page last modified: July 31, 2008
Content source: Division of Adult and
Community Health, National
Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
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