The New Mexico Disability and Health Program (DHP) is going to pilot the Take Charge Challenge, a proven physical activity intervention, with a population as yet untested- people with disabilities (PWDs). The goal is to take the strengths of this intervention- a noncompetitive yet team based program utilizing individual goal setting, peer support and incentives to stimulate increased physical activity levels. The Take Charge Challenge is a ten week physical activity behavior change program, conceived, developed and implemented as a worksite health promotion program, the Lifestyle Challenge, by the Georgia Division of Public Health in 1995. It was implemented by the CDC in 1996, and has undergone several modifications (based on evaluation findings) and implementations since that time, including health departments of 14 states, such as Georgia, Texas and California, and at least 14 corporate/other government worksites, such as Chevron, and Citybank. Participation rates per worksite averaged 45% and the average goal attainment rate by site has been 65%. Discussion with the national director indicated excitement over the prospect of this intervention targeted to PWDs. The DHP will coordinate the event in conjunction with a nationwide Take Charge Challenge push in March-May 2001, utilizing centers for independent living as the organizing entities for teams. The DHP will provide promotional materials and incentives and will assist in data gathering and evaluation, even though these are streamlined with web based data entry. Should the intervention be as successful as anticipated, the DHP would seek further funding to replicate the program. See www.takechargechallenge.org
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participants will be able to:1. Discuss innovative health promotion intervention newly applied to people with disabilities, and 2.Assess efficacy of program for own's own constituency.
Keywords: Physical Activity, Health Promotion
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Take Charge Challenge- see related web page, below
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.