Health Improvement Organization Hosts Community Action Plan Kick-off Luncheon

July 30, 2010

Jackson, Mich. — The Health Improvement Organization, founded by Allegiance Health, will host a Community Action Plan kick-off luncheon on Thursday, August 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Commonwealth Commerce Center ballroom, 209 East Washington Avenue, Jackson. Lunch will feature a nutritious meal prepared by the newly revamped Jackson Public Schools Nutrition Department. Business leaders and community agency representatives are invited to attend.

“We’re hosting this event to help local business, school, government and non-profit leaders join forces with a community-wide effort to improve the health and vitality of Jackson,” said Director of Allegiance Health department of Prevention and Community Health Amy Schultz, MD, MPH.

Following lunch, there will be a presentation of the HIO Coordinating Council’s Community Action Plan, as well as testimonials regarding smoking, physical activity, healthy eating and stress management.

The HIO Coordinating Council’s Community Action Plan will address some of the most notable issues impacting the health of Jackson residents, namely physical activity, nutrition, tobacco and depression. The four main goals of the plan are:

  1. Improve the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of Jackson County residents related to emotional health, physical activity, nutrition and leading a smoke-free lifestyle.
  2. Reduce the obesity rate among Jackson residents to be at or lower than the state average.
  3. Reduce exposure to cigarette smoke in Jackson County.
  4. Improve the capacity/ability for Jackson residents to address mental health issues, including stress, depression and other psychologically-based conditions.

The HIO Coordinating Council is a multidisciplinary group with representation from local government, public health, health care, health and human service agencies and nonprofit organizations, school districts, health plans, mental health, employers and the faith community.

The Council’s plan was developed with the input of over 30 representatives from local health and human service agencies, and over 100 community stakeholders to date. This includes feedback from several community-based focus groups that targeted parents, students, clergy, government officials and other community residents.

“This coordination of efforts across community leaders in health allow for unprecedented alignment of goals and resources, as well as the creation of a strong community platform for advocacy,” said Schultz.

To make reservations for the luncheon, call (888) 335-7241 or visit AllegianceHealth.org/HIOkickoff.