External Resources Directory

“Step into Nature” is more than a summary of best practices and implementation recommendations; the guide is a call to action for public health professionals, urban planners, architects, developers, and residents to design healthier cities.

Stories from Small Towns is a project of the National Physical Activity Society. The objective of the project is to demonstrate that structural changes to make walking easier can be carried out in America’s thousands of small towns and not just its big cities. The project focuses on advice from towns that have made some changes, with the aim of inspiring town leaders across the country to see such infrastructure as possible and worthy.

There is no single or simple solution to the obesity epidemic. It’s a complex problem and there has to be a multifaceted approach. Policy makers, state and local organizations, business and community leaders, school, childcare and healthcare professionals, and individuals must work together to create an environment that supports a healthy lifestyle. There are several ways state and local organizations can create a supportive environment to promote healthy living behaviors that prevent obesity.

Training Objectives:

• Identify key steps to apply for federal grants • Review the critical elements of proposals and grants.
• Discuss strategies related to federal competitions.

The Division of Community Health (DCH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted message testing as part of formative evaluation efforts (“audience research”) to better understand how to most effectively communicate with the public and interested stakeholders about community health and relevant issues. The message testing assessed the reactions and opinions of key audiences to messages that relate to the scope and objectives of the work of DCH and its programs. The findings will help inform current and future DCH-, partner-,and awardee-lead communication initiatives to increase resonance and understanding.