Promoting Policy and Environmental Changes
Efforts to increase physical activity, improve nutrition, and reduce tobacco use in South Carolina are primarily accomplished through strategies that focus on implementing environmental and policy changes.
Environmental and Policy Strategies
Traditionally, health promotion and chronic disease prevention at local health departments have focused on individual behavior change through individual screening and counseling. Unfortunately, individual behavior change programs reach only a small percentage of the population, and these programs have been minimally effective in bringing about lifelong behavior changes related to physical activity, nutrition, and tobacco use.
To effectively reduce health risks, we have to create an environment in the community that supports positive health behaviors. Policy and environmental change strategies include programs and activities that:
- Are population based;
- Include community interventions in a variety of settings such as schools, worksites, community organizations, and the faith community; and
- Advocate for policy changes to support positive health behaviors.
Examples of Policy and Environmental Support Initiatives:
- Working with local community groups to establish neighborhood walking trails.
- Advocating for adding heart healthy food menu items in school cafeterias and vending machines.
- Adoption of tobacco-free facility policies in church buildings and on church grounds.
Examples of SC Health Regions Implementing Policy and Environmental Support Programs:
- Region 2 Public Health Office increased the number of new sidewalks thorough NSTEP program by 6200 feet, impacting 7000 people. Also, Region 2 in partnership with Spartanburg Nutrition Council and Spartanburg School District 7 has assisted in an integrated nutrition curriculum being piloted in 3 elementary schools.
- The Region 3 Public Health Office assisted in the construction of ¼ mile loop walking trail in a minority neighborhood, impacting 850 adults and children.
- In collaboration with Smoke-Free Lowcountry Coalition, Region 7 Public Health Office has participated in the planning and implementation of annual Merchant Education Training.