It’s Time Texas, Community Health Challenge- Lancaster, TX

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It’s Time Texas, Community Health Challenge

Rationale:
A health disparity study indicated pressing challenges for Lancaster, including high rates of heart disease and congestive heart failure. Because of these startling statistics, Lancaster embarked upon a journey to decrease these numbers and the City Council formed the Mayor’s Health and Fitness Council.

Goals:

• Develop an expanded community health initiative.
• Improve documented health disparity outcomes.

Project Summary:
To address these health disparities, Lancaster began participating in the It’s Time Texas Community Challenge. The challenge is an 8-week competition that unites and mobilizes, schools, businesses, organizations, community members, and mayors toward the common goal of transforming a community’s health.

The Mayor’s Health and Fitness Council was also formed and includes key partners such as LISD, Parks and Recreation staff, Lancaster Police Department staff, Lancaster Fire and Medical staff, Lancaster Library staff, Lancaster Community Relations staff, Cedar Valley College, Anytime Fitness, Crescent Medical Center, and other corporate partners. The council has initiated several health programs, including:

• Couch to 5k run/walk: Included participation by all aspects of the community and offered a $1,200 grand prize for school-health initiatives.
• Community health fair: Hosted by the city, churches, and the local community college.
• Basketball game challenge: Included pep rallies at the local high school.
• Smoke free city-wide ordinance: Allows citizens to have a healthier environment when patronizing local businesses.
• Stork’s Nest: A program which encourages low-income mothers to seek pre-natal care.
• Convoy of Hope: An event which included health and dental screenings, patient education, a mobile asthma clinic, as well as STD screenings and preventive education.

Engagement Strategies:

• A fitness council made up of diverse stakeholders was formed to implement health programs.

Additional Resources:
Lancaster, TX- 2019 AAC Winner: Presentation

Local Contact:
Jasmine Carr
Community Relations Coordinator
(972) 218-1306
jcarr@lancaster-tx.com