Recorded presentation

Frances Kaplan, MPH and Margaret Tate, MS, RD. Office of Nutrition and Chronic Disease Prevention Services, Arizona Department of Health Services, 150 N. 18th Avenue, Suite 310, Phoenix, AZ 85007, 6025421886, franceskaplan@cox.net

The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) was one of four funded state projects for the Steps to a Healthier U.S. Initiative launched by Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson. Arizona received approximately $1.4 million for the first year to address the high prevalence of diabetes, obesity and asthma in the U.S.-Mexico border communities of Cochise, Santa Cruz and Yuma Counties and the Tohono O'odham Nation. The primary objectives for the Steps to a Healthier Arizona Initiative are to: 1) build upon the comprehensive, tested °Border Health SI! Model (diabetes) to include obesity and asthma interventions for all populations; 2) strengthen existing, and develop new Special Advisory Groups to implement policy and environmental changes related to diabetes, obesity, asthma and associated risk factors; 3) mobilize schools to utilize the School Health Index to assess needs and capacity for coordinated health curricula and supportive policies; 4) coordinate state agency programming at state and community levels; and 5) engage community partners in the development of programs and training. The Arizona STEPS effort represents an innovative collaboration between two state agencies (ADHS and Arizona Department of Education), a county health department, community health center, university cooperative extension program, American Indian nation, and college of public health. Integration, expansion and capacity building are the key strategies that Arizona is utilizing to ensure program sustainability. Existing public health programs are being integrated, new traditional and non-traditional community and state partners are being incorporated, and all partners are actively participating in the strategic planning process.

Learning Objectives:

• Explain the rationale for the Steps to a Healthier Arizona Initiative.
• Describe the unique characteristics of the Steps to a Healthier Arizona Initiative partnership model.
• Identify the special challenges to providing public health services and program along the United States (US)-Mexico border.
• Explain the importance of the Year One milestones of the Steps to a Healthier Arizona Initiative in terms of future sustainability.

Keywords: Chronic Diseases, Collaboration

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.

Recorded presentation