Community / Project Resources

The H.A.N.D.S on Approach to Tackling Nutrition through Environmental Changes and Community Partnerships

By Mount Rogers Health District

Mt. Rogers Health District created this poster to highlight their local work on nutrition education through their H.A.N.D.S. program (Health Access and Nutrition Development Services). This poster was created as part of the CPHMC project and presented at NWA’s Annual Conference in May 2016.

The Mount Rogers Health District (MRHD), in Southwest Virginia , is one of 17 local WIC agencies across the nation to be a part of the Community Partnerships for Healthy Mothers and Children (CPHMC) project. MRHD used a multisector approach to address nutrition disparities in rural communities through the Health Access and Nutrition Development Services (H.A.N.D.S.) task force, a subgroup to the Twin County Prevention Coalition in Galax, VA. The H.A.N.D.S. task force consists of a diverse group of collaborators with various backgrounds and expertise. In building capacity, MRHD sought to establish a group of key stakeholders that would stand as a representation of the community at large and resources available. During the 15-month project period, the group used a hands-on approach to effectively identify the needs of the community, assess and strengthen existing resources, initiate agency partnerships/collaborations, and implement a comprehensive plan that addressed nutrition disparities and resource gaps in areas of need. H.A.N.D.S. multifaceted approach seeks to implement system and environmental changes that increase availability and awareness of healthy food options, while creating an atmosphere that promotes positive lifestyle choices.

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Date Added
December 4, 2017

Citation
Mount Rogers Health District (2016) The H.A.N.D.S on Approach to Tackling Nutrition through Environmental Changes and Community Partnerships. Available online: https://thewichub.sfo2.digitaloceanspaces.com/2017/10/MRHD-NWA-Conference-Poster.pdf