KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - Community health experts are coming to King County to share successes and knowledge in the fight against life-shortening chronic diseases and conditions, such as asthma, diabetes and obesity. Representatives from 40 communities, including King County, will be at the national Steps to Health workshop in Seattle, which runs from Monday, June 4 through Wednesday, June 6.
“Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, obesity and asthma are serious threats to our quality of life,” said King County Executive Ron Sims, who will open the meeting on Monday, June 4. “I love the Steps program because it coordinates actions at the individual, family, clinical, school and community levels to fight these deadly and burdensome diseases.”
Workshop participants will learn about ways to sustain program successes in their communities and make environmental, policy and system level changes that reduce obesity, diabetes and asthma. The upcoming conference and the local Steps programs across the country are supported through Steps to a HealthierUS, a program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Health and Human Services.
King County Steps to Health has been leading local efforts to build healthier communities in south Seattle and in southwest King County, areas especially affected by asthma, diabetes and obesity. Over 75 community partners are involved, including schools, health care settings, work sites and community leaders, and focused on those most impacted by chronic disease, especially people of color and low-income.
“The Steps program has been instrumental in linking groups and organizations that benefit from shared resources and partnerships,” says Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer. “There are great examples in our community of how innovative and collaborative programs can help improve people’s health.”
With the support of the Steps program, several local partners are leading the way with new initiatives for healthy eating and active living, including the following programs:
- Strong Kids/Strong Teens – This partnership among the YMCA, Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center and the Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic enrolls youth who have been identified as at risk for obesity into a nutrition, activity and self-empowerment program, along with their parents/guardians. This partnership allows all to enhance their individual missions while also crossing traditional lines to make resources and tools available to underserved groups.
- Austin Foundation – Through Steps, the Austin Foundation has been able to provide local communities and families with programs both during and after school, held at sites throughout Seattle, that promote physical fitness and healthy lifestyles. The Austin Foundation has partnered with community organizations and with schools to advocate for policies and practices that teach youth about the benefits of healthier lifestyles.
- Bike Works – Through Steps’ support, Bike Works reaches a population of adolescents that may otherwise be underserved and provide them with activities that benefit not only their own physical, mental and social well-being, but that of the community as well. Located in south Seattle, Bike Works empowers youth and gives them the opportunity to learn about bicycle repair and safety, and earn their own refurbished bike, helmet and lock.
To learn more about King County Steps to Health, visit www.metrokc.gov/health/steps
For more information about the national Steps to a HealthierUS program, visit www.cdc.gov/steps
Providing effective and innovative health and disease prevention services for over 1.8 million residents and visitors of King County, Public Health – Seattle & King County works for safer and healthier communities for everyone, every day.
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