Building a Healthier Polk 3 Year Summary | Page 37

SUMMARY
The importance of having
members focused on
promoting a united message
for the Initiative cannot be
overstated. This Initiative
involved a cross-section of
professionals and numerous
focus areas stretching multiple
health related disciplines.
Common language and central
communication was key to
keeping members aligned with
the overall goal of reducing
obesity rates in Polk County.

next steps
Reducing obesity rates and increasing healthy weight rates requires a long-term effort.
As Strategy groups assessed the progress of the 3 year Initiative, they decided to
continue working to reduce Polk’s obesity rate to lower than the state. Strategies of
this Initiative are now participating as Teams within the Polk Vision Alignment process.
Primary Care, School-Age and Worksite Wellness Teams are currently creating tactical
plans and outcomes to be included in a 10 year plan to improve health of Polk residents.

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