Horizon SHIP

Pope-Douglas County Health Board with partners Traverse, Grant and Stevens Counties

West Central Wellness logo

SHIP Story:

For more information about West Central Wellness, visit their web site www.westcentralwellness.org

How Horizon SHIP is improving the health of the community

The Statewide Health Improvement Program covers 51 counties, four cities and one tribal government. Horizon SHIP received a grant of $399,155 for fiscal years 2012-13.

Working with schools

  • Healthy eating in schools: With Farm to School, SHIP connects farmers with schools to provide fresh, local foods. Efforts may include school gardens to educate children and supplement food offerings. In addition, SHIP is working with schools to offer healthy snacks and healthy food at celebrations and fundraisers. In 2012, Horizon SHIP worked with 11 schools, and in its first three years, SHIP has reached more than 3,000 students in the area, resulting in school gardens including orchards, enhanced nutrition education, and improved snack options.
  • More physical activity for kids: SHIP works to integrate more physical activity into their students’ day through Active Classrooms programs, Active Recess programs and physical education.
  • Decreased exposure to second-hand smoke at colleges: SHIP teams up with colleges interested in a tobacco-free policy for staff and visitors on school grounds, in student housing and at school sponsored events. In 2012, SHIP worked with Alexandria Technical and Community College as well as the University of Minnesota – Morris toward the development of smoke-free policies.

Healthier communities

  • Increased access to healthy food: SHIP works to improve access to nutritious foods by increasing availability and affordability in grocery and corner stores, concession facilities and other food vendors. SHIP facilitates the development of new farmers markets and promotes their use. For example, in 2012, eight cities expanded their farmers markets by reaching out to low income people, seniors, and Hispanics, and offering coupons, or “Market Bucks.”
  • More physical activity: Help create active communities by increasing opportunities for walking and bicycling.
  • Decreased exposure to second-hand smoke at home: SHIP works with apartment building owners who wish to develop smoke-free housing policies. For example, in 2012, SHIP is working with housing and redevelopment authorities, real estate developers, economic development commissions, and landlords in our counties to implement smoke-free housing.

Comprehensive work site wellness

  • Working with businesses: SHIP works with employers to offer healthy foods in the cafeteria and in catering, to increase opportunities for walking and biking and access to worksite recreation facilities, and to support breast feeding for working mothers. SHIP also encourages tobacco-free policies, as well as health plan coverage of, and onsite support for, tobacco cessation efforts. In 2012, three industrial worksites developed work plans to implement changes in healthy food, physical activity and tobacco initiatives through a wellness committee.

SHIP Coordinators

Crystal Hoepner crystal.hoepner@mail.co.douglas.mn.us

Amy Reineke amy.reineke@mail.co.douglas.mn.us

Community Leadership Team

  • Connie Bye, West Central Community Action
  • Jessica Rupert, PrimeWest Health
  • Barb Larson, Alexandria School District
  • Kara Elwood, Alexandria Area YMCA
  • Jessica Boyer, United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties
  • Jeannie Pederson, Pope Co Family Collaborative
  • Tammy Salonen, Midwest Wellness Initiatives
  • Teresa Jergenson, WASP Inc. Manufacturing
  • Deb Hengel, Grant County Child & Youth Council
  • Ranae Edwards, University of Minnesota Extension Grant County

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Updated Thursday, 04-Apr-2013 09:26:17 CDT