As part of Georgia's Nutrition and Physical Activity Initiative, two pilot interventions are underway.
Health Matters – DHR on the Move is a worksite wellness initiative targeted at Georgia Department of Human Resources 2,500 state employees. The goal of the pilot project is to improve healthy eating habits, increase levels of physical activity and employee wellness and to create a work site environmentthat promotes healthy eating and physical activity. The pilot phase of this initiative was launched in January 2005 targeting five specific branches within the Department of Public Health(approximately 315 employees). Components include walking clubs, daily aerobics classes, lunch and learns,behavioral strategies such as goal setting, point of decision stairwell prompts and healthy vending/cafeteria choices. Pilot evaluation results are being reviewed to improve the program. Expansion of the program is planned for January 2006.
Fulton County Tween Intervention
The Department of Public Health, Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness and Task Force members, are developing a pilot nutrition and physical activity initiative targeting tweens (9–11 year olds) living in Fulton County (specifically the downtown Atlanta area). Social marketing principles guide the group's planning process. The intervention workgroup advisory members include: Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, ILSI Center for Health Promotion, Metro Atlanta YMCA, City of Atlanta Schools, Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness, and Department of Public Health. The advisory group recently completed its formative research phase, conducting focus groups with parents and teens living in the City of Atlanta. Program implementation is anticipated to begin in early 2006.
