Cook County poised to get active and healthy

By Melody Geraci

How much healthy lifestyle change can $16 million buy? Suburban Cook County municipalities are about to find out, and they can’t wait to get started.

The Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) recently announced it won a remarkable $16 million grant award over two years to help reverse the growing issues of obesity and chronic disease in suburban Cook County. CCDPH was one of 44 communities in a nationwide movement to support public health efforts that reduce obesity, increase physical activity and improve nutrition. The money comes from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009: Communities Putting Prevention at Work Grant (i.e. stimulus money).

The big news was announced at a press conference held in March at Blue Island’s Paul Revere Intermediate School. As the daily bike train of student cyclists departed for the trip home from school, CCDPH head Dr. Stephen Martin remarked on the significance of the grant award.

“Suburban Cook County has more overweight and obese adults than the entire population of Montana, with nearly 1.2 million or almost 63 percent being overweight or obese. About 40 percent of children are overweight or obese.”

CCDPH will use the money to provide grants to suburban Cook communities for programs that promote good physical activity and nutrition policies in schools, the workplace and the community. That includes a focus on improving conditions for active and sustainable transportation through strategies like Complete Streets and expanding transportation options.

“People who live in places with areas to walk, bike, play and with access to fresh fruits and vegetables are less likely to become obese or develop serious health conditions such as diabetes,” Martin said..

Active Trans, together with other partners, has been at the table working alongside CCDPH on this effort since the beginning. We are extremely proud of their accomplishment and look forward to the community transformations to come.

Read more about the county's efforts.

Melody Geraci is Active Trans’ director of programs