Alabama
Local Initiative in Brewton and East Brewton, AL
About the Project:
The Alabama team is structured in two tiers: state and local. Working with lead physician, Dr. Marsha Raulerson in Brewton and East Brewton, the team plans to reach out to physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, health educators, dietitians, and other health care providers. The state team has partnered with many local stakeholders, including school nurses, health department administration and staff, city council members, volunteer organizations, local school and Junior College administration, student representatives and parent/community representatives; connections have been made with Escambia County Medical Society to inform them of the project and future collaboration opportunities.
Success Stories:
- The team installed walking path signs at Burnt Corn Creek Park and O'Bannon Park to encourage physical activity. The frames and installation were done for free courtesy of the City of Brewton. As one of the team members was at the park taking pictures of the signs before they were painted, she spoke to a gentleman walking his dog and asked him what he thought about the signs: "He said he was very appreciative of [them]. He is a Brewton police officer [and] had been running in the park but never knew how far he was running."
- The East Brewton community garden was added to the national American Community Gardening Association website. You can "visit" the garden virtually here: http://acga.localharvest.org/garden/M3502
Customized Advocacy Resource Guide:
A customized version of the Be Our Voice guide has been developed to assist in training local advocates. Local government structures and processes, data, media resources, and other grantees specific to Alabama are included. Download the Alabama Advocacy Resource Guide (PDF).
Key Data:
Brewton City Limits
- Population: 5,498 (This is not reflective of the rural area for people living out of the city limits. County population is 37,000 with the largest percent in the Brewton/East Brewton area).
- Racial/ethnic distribution: 58% White, 40% Black or African American
- Obesity Rankings (State): 6th in childhood obesity; 2nd in adult obesity
East Brewton
- Population: 2,496
- Racial/ethnic distribution: 80.3% White, 17.1% Black or African American
- Obesity Rankings (State): 6th in childhood obesity; 2nd in adult obesity
Policy Focus:
At the April 2010 meeting, the community team selected its policy, environment, and systems change (PES) focuses. They are: Develop a large community garden and network, including various smaller plots for family use; convert the old middle school into a community center (which would include a garden area and playground); and create a plan for increasing physical activity in the community. Within each of the three plans, the team has identified opportunities to incorporate physical activity aspects, nutrition, city/hospital/health department policy, and system changes. The big picture aim is to establish a healthy culture in Brewton and East Brewton, starting with a specific project that can link to other coordinated efforts.
Contact:
Project Lead: Mim Gaines, MACT, RD, LD, Alabama Department of Public Health
mim.gaines@adph.state.al.us
NICHQ: Jenna Williams, Project Manager
jwilliams@nichq.org