Sault Tribe Community Transformation Implementation

Background/Purpose: The purpose of the Sault Tribe Community Transformation project is to reduce the incidence of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer. This project focuses on the Sault Tribe population and residents of the Sault Tribe service area of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The strategies which make up the foundation of our Community Transformation project are designed to create environments which provide commercial tobacco free living, active living, healthy eating, and healthy and safe physical environments. Methods: Through a strong, growing network of partnerships, we work within communities, education agencies, and tribal leadership to develop and implement population-based strategies which will increase access to tobacco-free environments; reduce second-hand smoke exposure; improve the nutritional quality of all foods in schools; increase access to healthy foods through farmers' markets, small store initiatives, and community gardens, and provide increased access to physical activity in schools and in communities through community design standards to make non-motorized transportation options available to all users of all abilities. Results/Outcomes: Evidence and practice-based environmental, programmatic and infrastructure changes, combined with enhanced clinical practices, will have a significant impact in the health and quality of life of Sault Tribe members and all who live in our seven counties. Conclusions: By building environments within our communities and creating a culture where the healthy choice becomes the easy choice, the Sault Tribe Community Transformation project will continue to improve the health of our members and all who live in our area long after the project period has ended.