Healthy Communities Projects

Healthy Communities don’t happen by accident. Communities are concerned about health effects of rising obesity rates and are taking action. Community leaders recognize that their residents can’t move more or eat healthier foods without changes in their community environment. Education and awareness alone won’t result in change. Safe sidewalks, trails, and bicycle lanes make it easier for people to move about and leave their car at home. Healthy food choice in school cafeterias and restaurants, well supported food banks, and neighborhood farmers markets offer options for healthier food. Making sustainable community changes involves long term partnerships among public health, private business, municipal government, community advocates, transportation planners, and schools.

Communities Making Changes

Based on their unique community needs, Washington cities and counties are making changes in their environments. The following communities are testing the effectiveness of the strategies in the Washington State Nutrition and Physical Activity Plan. They mobilized community members to assess the barriers and opportunities for physical activity and healthy eating, developed and are carrying out action plans.

• Clark County
• Cowlitz County
• Grays Harbor County
• Island County
• Kittitas County
• Marysville
• Moses Lake
• Mount Vernon and Mount Vernon Healthy Communities Project
• Puyallup
• Spokane