The Georgia Department of Public Health has developed a new initiative to reduce cardiovascular disease death and disability in the state: the Georgia Cardiovascular Health Initiative. The primary strategies of the initiative are to:
- Make policy and environmental changes that will increase access to physical activity and healthy eating
- Build partnerships with community organizations and leaders
- Provide training opportunities for health districts and local partners
- Give priority to those populations at highest risk for CVD. Develop strategies that take into consideration racial and ethnic heritage
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Policy and Environmental Approaches
Policy and environmental changes are population-based prevention strategies that have the potential to impact all Georgians.
Environment changes impact physical surroundings that either enhance or impede policies, goals, or objectives
Examples of Environmental Changes
- Build "walkable" communities with sidewalks, bike paths, and outdoor lighting
- Provide access to recreation centers & schools for physical activity after hours, especially in winter months
- Ensure convenient access to stairways in buildings
Policies are written guidelines established by an official board or governing body to guide and structure changes in the environment to achieve a specific goal or objective; can be a law, regulation, or organizational procedure.
Examples of Policy Changes
- Require healthy food choices at worksites, schools, and in vending machines
- Allow time for physical activity during the work day
- Require daily physical activity in K-12 schools
- Allocate funding that supports physical activity (safe sidewalks, parks, walking trails, educational campaigns)
