Plan4Health Dane County

The Dane County (Wisconsin) Capital Region Healthy Communities (CRHC) initiative aims to increase physical activity and access to nutritious food. The coalition has worked to incorporate health into planning to eliminate food deserts and help neighborhoods become more walking and biking friendly. The Active Living Index was developed and helped to measure and map walkability and access to biking and walking at the census block group level. The coalition applied the tool to three target communities in the area to gain a better understanding of their needs and to empower decision makers, planning and public health professionals and residents. Additionally, the coalition has been working to increase the capacity of local communities in South Madison, WI to provide healthy food to designated food deserts.