"Steps to a HealthierUS" Begins in Broome County

BINGHAMTON, NY - Broome County Executive, Jeffrey P. Kraham announced today that Broome is one of only four counties in New York State to receive a United States Department of Health and Human Services Grant to implement community based initiatives that promote better health and prevent disease. New York State has been awarded a total of $1,805,459; Broome County has been chosen to receive $350,000 of this five-year cooperative agreement award.

The New York State "Steps to a HealthierUS" project is one of 12 nationally receiving a total of $13.7 million. These community-based initiatives aim to help Americans live longer, better, and healthier lives by reducing the burden of diabetes, overweight, obesity and asthma and addressing three related risk factors- physical inactivity, poor nutrition and tobacco use.

"The rates of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and asthma as well as the economic burden of these diseases continues to rise sharply in Broome County," said Claudia Edwards, Broome County Public Health Director. In Broome County, 30 out of 100,000 people will die from diabetes related illness, which is almost double the number of people in New York State that will die from these illnesses.

In 2002, Broome County spent over 1l million dollars in Medicaid costs for diabetes treatment and 31% of hospitalized children under the age of 18 were diagnosed with asthma related conditions. The federal government has set the National Healthy People 2010 Goal at 17%.

Diabetes, asthma, overweight and obesity were chosen as targets for these community based initiatives because individuals can control and even prevent these diseases by changing behaviors such as exercise and eating habits. The National Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey found that only 17% of Broome County residents participate in physical activity; only 30% report eating the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables daily; 17.7% of Broome County residents are considered to be obese; and 20% of Broome County residents smoke. These results are similar to most Upstate counties, which makes Broome County's efforts an ideal pilot program.

These community-based projects are part of Health and Human Services Secretary Thompson's initiative to expand and build on President Bush's HealthierUS that focuses on four core areas for improved health and wellness: physical activity, preventative screenings, balanced nutrition, and healthy choices to help Americans live longer, healthier lives.

"We need to reach Broome County residents where they live, work and go to school, to successfully achieve healthy outcomes", said Edwards. "The exciting and innovative initiatives we are planning are tailored to Broome County's needs and resources." Funds will be provided to existing community and school based programs to enhance and expand their ability to control and prevent the prevalence of chronic disease in Broome County.

"Successful approaches require the combined efforts of many members of our community, noted Ms. Edwards. The Broome County Health Department is fortunate to work with local agencies dedicated to improving the health of Broome County residents." Partners in the Steps to a HealthierUS Initiative include: The United Way, United Health Services and Lourdes Hospitals, BC Council of Churches, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, American Diabetes Association, Broome County Office for Aging, as well as the "Aging Futures Project", Broome County Parks and Recreation, Broome County Department of Public Transportation, Broome County Executive Office, Broome County Youth Bureau, American Cancer Society, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County, Broome-Tioga BOCES, the school districts of Chenango Valley, Chenango Forks, Johnson City, Union Endicott, Vestal, Maine Endwell, Windsor, Whitney Point, and Binghamton, Broome Community College, Binghamton University, Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield, Rural Health Network, Broome County YMCA, Broome County Medical Society and Binghamton Metropolitan Transportation Study.

For more information please contact Mary McFadden at 607.778.3929 or email at mmcfadden@co.broome.ny.us

CONTACT:
Mary McFadden Supervising Public Health Educator,
Broome County Health Department, 607.778.3929
email: mmcfadden@co.broome.ny.us

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