Based on information provided by focus group participants, several
characteristics were identified as important elements of any recommendations
as a result of this report. The community emphasized that wellness
and prevention programs and projects should be comprehensive and address
the root causes of illness, injury, and unhealthy lifestyles. The activities
should address issues such as tobacco use, diet and activity patterns,
alcohol and substances abuse, and sexual behaviors. Focus group participants
also felt that it is imperative that services be made available to
everyone regardless of their ability to pay. In addition, community
members accentuated the importance of tailoring prevention and wellness
measures to specific targeted populations and delivering services in
the neighborhoods where risky behaviors occur. They also emphasized
that the targeted neighborhoods must have voice in the development
and implementation of prevention and wellness events. They suggested
that public and private agencies work with communities to help them
identify their assets and build processes from within, emphasizing
the positive benefits of wellness and prevention rather than the consequences
of not having these services.
Specific recommendations are centered on the development of a Community
Wellness and Prevention Consortium which is a partnership of
public health agencies, schools, businesses, community-based organizations,
neighborhood associations, and faith-based organizations to jointly
engage in creative and efficient wellness promotion, disease and
injury prevention, and marketing of healthy lifestyles. The consortium
will promote partnerships between member groups, enhancing their
capabilities beyond the resources and capacity of any one member.
The objectives of the consortium will include, but are not limited
to:
- Encourage collaborations between consortium members;
- Advocate for wellness and prevention programs and resources;
- Plan strategies for wellness and prevention activities;
- Developing standardized wellness and prevention messages; and
- Coordinate wellness and prevention assessments within targeted
neighborhoods.
The Consortium would prioritize the promotion and coordination of
specific strategies previously identified as sound practices, such
as:
- Wellness programs in businesses and schools;
- Physical activity programs;
- Smoking cessation programs
- Healthy nutrition programs.
The Consortium would coordinate and conduct health and wellness surveys
to supplement the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)
surveys conducted at the State and national level. These surveys are
valuable tools for obtaining specific data on selected populations.
These surveys will require specific resources for designing survey
instruments, conducting surveys, and analyzing and reporting data collected.
As a companion to the Integrated Care Collaboration the consortium would
work to improve accessibility to wellness and health services for the
residents of the Austin Metropolitan Area. Member organizations would
be asked to provide in-kind support resources.
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