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Welcome to the information hub on the Kern County Call to Action Plan. This action plan, adapted with permission from San Diego’s Call to Action:
Childhood Obesity Action Plan model, is intended to have the most influence on developing environmental and policy change supporting healthy
lifestyles, choices, and behavior change by engaging residents, community organizations, local leaders and businesses.
Recently, the Kern County Public Health Services Department received a Capacity Building Community Transformation Grant through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to further support and expand the work of the Call to Action Plan. This $2.2 million grant to be implemented over the course of the next five years, will build Kern County’s capacity to effectively promote active living and healthy eating, tobacco-free living, and high impact quality clinical and other preventive services.
Kern County Call to Action
Kern County Public Health Services Department
1800 Mt. Vernon Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93306
(661) 321-3000 CallToAction@co.kern.ca.us
Background:
Chronic disease, along with the issues of overweight and obesity, has reached epidemic proportions in Kern County.
Over 60% of the population (teens and adults) is reported as being overweight or obese. Kern County ranks highest
of the 58 California counties in deaths from heart disease and is second highest in deaths from diabetes.
Kern County also ranked in the bottom 25% for six of eight health indicators related to all causes of death (2010).
Poor nutrition and lack of physical activity significantly increases the risk and acuity of diabetes, heart disease,
high blood pressure and cancers. Secondhand smoke exposure causes serious disease and death, including heart disease
and lung cancer in non-smoking populations. According to the CDC, each year an estimated 3,000 non-smoking Americans
die of lung cancer primarily because of exposure to secondhand smoke; more than 46,000 die of heart disease.
In September 2011, in response to these critical health concerns, the County was awarded a five year Community
Transformation Grant (CTG) to support and promote active living and healthy eating, tobacco-free living, and clinical
and other preventive services. The grant provides for a “Capacity Building Project to Engage Community” through a
range of community strategies including:
- Coalition Building and Planning;
- Community Health Assessment;
- Capacity Building;
- Strengthening our Leadership Team; and
- Promoting and Educating Stakeholders about CTG program activities and a common vision for community wellness and prevention.
Kern County’s CTG supports the Call to Action: Chronic Disease and Obesity Action Plan, which incorporates the development
of core, guiding and strategic principles; maximizing health impact through prevention; and the expansion of evidence-based
services to address community health problems. The Call to Action Plan will also ensure health equity and reduce health
disparities among high-risk populations. See the Kern County Call to Action Chronic Disease and Obesity Plan for more details.
The Action Plan:
The Kern County Call to Action Plan calls for every person in Kern County to be a part of the solution. Community partners
are highly encouraged to develop additional strategies for the prevention of chronic conditions and obesity based on their
experience, abilities and the communities they serve.
The goals and objectives of the Kern County Call to Action: Chronic Disease and Obesity Action Plan include:
Goal – The fundamental goal of the Action Plan is to improve the health of Kern County residents by using a comprehensive,
multi-disciplinary approach to the problem.
The following objectives have been set to achieve this overarching goal.
Objectives:
- Build awareness about the risks and consequences of uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, and risk factors of inactivity and obesity.
- Serve as a guide for all County residents who are interested in addressing obesity issues.
- Use multiple strategies to build momentum and begin taking action to improve the health of Kern County residents.
- Strengthen existing partnerships and create collaborative relationships with new organizations and new sectors of the community.
- Support the adoption of individual lifestyle changes through policy and environmental change.
- Create a plan that measures and supports community partners in their efforts in meeting Call to Action objectives.
The above goals and objectives will additionally lead to the advancement of health equity and the reduction of health disparities
among identified under-served populations in the County.
The Call to Action Plan focuses on seven key domain areas, identified as having the biggest influence on both the individual and their environment, which include:
- County and City Governments
- Healthcare Systems and Providers
- Schools
- Early Childhood Programs and Before- and After-School Providers
- Community-Based Organizations, Faith-Based Organizations and Youth Organizations
- Media Outlets and Marketing Industry
- Business
The Call to Action Plan requires a long-term commitment from a wide base of support to make a positive impact for the well-being of our communities.
Kern County has the ability to work together towards building healthy communities. The work ahead will not be easy, and will take time, but
through smart and hard work and countywide support and dedication, a change can be made to positively impact the well-being of our communities.
“We need to inspire agencies, institutions, families and individuals to place priority on nutrition and physical activity by
implementing proven strategies” and we will need to “bring together our resources, talent, enthusiasm and commitment to ensure a
healthy future for Kern County Children.”
- Kern County Board of Supervisors Chairman, Ray Watson November 9, 2010
Organizations
Collaboratives
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Government:
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Avtar Nijjer-Sidhu Ph.D., R.D.
Senior Health Educator
Kern County Environmental Health Division
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Tony P. Lopez, Program Director
Kern County Department of Human Services
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Health: |
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Bill Phelps
Chief of Programs
Clinica Sierra Vista
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Matt Constantine, Director
Kern County Public Health Services Department
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Sheri Seal-Bailey
Director Bariatric Solutions at Adventist Health
San Joaquin Community Hospital
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Schools: |
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Kevin Silberberg Ed.D., District Superintendent
Standard School District
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Early Childhood:
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CBO/FBO/ Youth Organizations: |
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Tammy Burns
Early Childhood Council of Kern
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Boyce B. Dulan, MD
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Jennifer Henry, Executive Director
Links for Life
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Media: |
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Tom Randour, VP/General Manager
KGET TV-17
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Business: |
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Tim Terrio, PT, ATC, CSCS
TERRIO Therapy-Fitness, Inc.
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Overview
The Call to Action consists of seven domain groups that represent sectors that have the most influence on developing environmental
and policy change supporting healthy lifestyles, choices, and behavior change. The ecological model that is the basis of Kern County’s
Call to Action Plan centers around the concept that individuals do not exist in a vacuum and that a supportive environment is necessary
to make healthy choices. It is comprehensive in how it looks at the issue of obesity, looking at the physical and social environments
and how they interact with people at the individual, interpersonal, organizational, and community levels. The ecological model emphasizes
the need for a multi-disciplinary, comprehensive approach in combatting chronic disease and promoting healthy living, and thus has
led to the identification of the seven key domains which most influence the individual and the environment and whether or not
healthy choices and behavior change are encouraged and maintained. These domains are: County and City Governments, Healthcare
Systems and Providers, Schools, Early Childhood Programs, Community/Youth/Faith Based Organizations, Media Outlets and Marketing
Industry, and Business. Each Domain consists of associated community members and organizational representatives working towards
environmental and policy change strategies. Please navigate through each of the Domains to learn more about their strategies,
2012 goals, accomplishments, meetings, resources, and how to get involved.
Partner Meetings
Overview
The Government Domain offers a forum for city, county, and tribal governments to advance policy and planning strategies that help establish active,
healthy, and thriving communities. The Domain supports local governments in the planning and implementation of policies and environmental changes
that promote healthy living. Some of the current members who serve on the Government Domain include representatives from the Department of
Public Health, Department of Human Services, Department of Animal Control, Department of Environmental Health, Kern County Library, Kern Council
of Governments, and Recreation and Parks. The Government Domain is always looking for new partners. Contact the Domain Leader if you are
interested in joining the Domain or would like to find ways to be involved in the work.
Strategies
The Government Domain has identified key strategies to prevent chronic disease and promote healthy living. These include:
- Design and modify city and county plans so that accessible walking and bicycling paths are incorporated
- Increase quantity, quality, and accessibility of parks and natural and existing open spaces
- Revise and disseminate maps for public access to walking, hiking, and bicycling routes throughout the county
- Develop and augment worksite wellness programs in government departments and jurisdictions
- Ensure vending machines in government facilities have healthy choices
- Develop breastfeeding accommodations in public facilities
For a complete listing of the Government Domain’s strategies, please see the Kern County Call to Action Chronic Disease and Obesity Plan.
Meetings
Contact Domain Leaders
Avtar Nijjer-Sidhu Ph.D., R.D. Senior Health Educator at Kern County Environmental Health Division
avtarn@co.kern.ca.us
Bio: Dr. Avtar Nijjer-Sidhu is the Senior Health Educator for the Kern County Environmental Health Division.
For the past four years, Dr. Avtar has focused on the County’s obesity epidemic through policy and environmental
changes through an initiative called the Central California Regional Obesity Prevention Program (CCROPP) funded by
The California Endowment. Her efforts in tackling obesity have included organizing four farmers’ markets in areas
of needs, promoting the County worksite wellness program, and assisting planners adopt health language in general
plan updates. Avtar is a registered dietitian and received both her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and her
Doctorate in Nutrition from the University of California, Davis.
Tony Lopez, Program Director at Kern County Department of Human Services
lopezt@co.kern.ca.us
Bio:: Tony Lopez is Program Director with the Kern County Department of Human Services, in the Employment and
Financial Services Bureau. Tony has been proactive in nutrition and physical activity education for CalFresh participants.
He participates in the Call to Action and is co-lead of the Government Domain. He is also an active participant in the
Community Transformation Grant project.
Overview
The Healthcare Domain brings together healthcare systems, plans, and providers to enhance care and resources for the prevention and
reduction of chronic disease and obesity. The Domain supports healthcare systems and providers in planning and implementing policy
and environmental strategies that promote healthy living. Some of the current members who serve on the Healthcare Domain include
representatives from the Kern County Public Health Department, Kern Health Systems, Clinica Sierra Vista, Health Net, Kaiser
Permanente, American Heart Association, Emergency Medical Services, Bakersfield Heart Hospital, Kern Medical Center, Kern County
Animal Control, Kern County Environmental Health, Community Preventative Health Collaborative at CSUB, Komoto Healthcare Medical
Pharmacy, American Association of Diabetes Educators, San Joaquin Community Hospital, Mercy and Memorial Hospitals, Kern County
Mental Health Services, Bakersfield Memorial Hospital, and WIC. The Healthcare Domain is always looking for new partners.
Contact the Domain Leader if you are interested in joining the Domain or would like to find ways to be involved in the work.
Strategies
The Healthcare Domain has identified key strategies to prevent chronic disease and promote healthy living. These include:
- Incorporate obesity prevention, screening, and referrals in routine clinical practice
- Incorporate obesity prevention and screening in quality assessment measures
- Routinely track body mass index (BMI) and provide patients with counseling and referrals in a culturally competent manner
- Expand and implement culturally appropriate health education classes in areas of healthy living
- Promote breastfeeding, physical activity, and fruit and vegetable consumption
- Provide advocacy to classify obesity as a disease category for reimbursement coding
For a complete listing of the Healthcare Domain’s strategies, please see the Kern County Call to Action Chronic Disease and Obesity Plan.
Contact Domain Leader
Bill Phelps, Chief of Programs at Clinica Sierra Vista
Bill.Phelps@clinicasierravista.org
Bio: Bill Phelps has been working for Clinica Sierra Vista for over 22 years on the social service and health education side of the agency.
For nearly 19 years he served as the Director/Coordinator of the Adolescent and Family Services Department (AFS) that included program sites
throughout Kern County. Since August 2008, he has been the Chief of Programs overseeing several programs and departments, including AFS,
WIC, HIV case management, Health Insurance Application Assistance and Health Care for the Homeless services, and the Medically Vulnerable
Infant and Black Infant Health programs. He has a B.S. in geological sciences from the University of Illinois, Chicago and an M.S. in
marriage, family, and child counseling from CSU Bakersfield. While he grew up in the Chicago area, he has spent the past 30 years living in Bakersfield.
Currently recruiting Healthcare Domain co-chairs.
Overview
The Schools and After-school Domain unites schools, after-school programs, and other key stakeholders in creating healthy,
active, and successful learning environments. The Domain works with school staff and before and after school programs in
promoting opportunities for healthy living in the school setting. Some of the current members who serve on the School
Domain include representatives from Standard School District, Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce, Pacific Health
Education Center, Taft College, Taft City School District, Delano Union School District, CSUB, Kern County Superintendent
of Schools, Bakersfield City School District, WIC, Tehachapi Unified School District Extended Day Program,
Bakersfield Adult School, Lamont School District, Kaplan University, Community Preventative Health Collaborative of
CSUB Nursing, University of California Cooperative Extension, and the Central Valley California Project LEAN .
The School Domain is always looking for new partners. Contact the Domain Leader if you are interested in joining the
Domain or would like to find ways to be involved in the work.
Strategies
The Schools Domain has identified key strategies to prevent chronic disease and promote healthy living. These include:
- Encourage and recognize the adoption and implementation by schools of a “Gold Standard” wellness guideline
- Provide all students with physical education classes and other opportunities for physical activity
- Encourage schools to establish school gardens and Farmer’s Markets
- Improve access to affordable fresh fruits and vegetables in all schools
- Use school facilities outside of school hours for physical activity programs
- Ban the use of food as a reward or punishment
For a complete listing of the School Domain’s strategies, please see the Kern County Call to Action Chronic Disease and Obesity Plan.
Meetings
Contact Domain Leader
Dr. Kevin Silberberg, Superintendent at Standard School District
ksilberb@standard.k12.ca.us
Bio: Dr. Kevin Silberberg is Superintendent of the Standard School District, one of the oldest school districts in Bakersfield, CA.
Appointed to the position in 2006, Dr. Silberberg is directing an ambitious, comprehensive reform effort designed to raise academic
standards and narrow the achievement gap for 3,000 students.
Overview
The Early Childhood Domain provides a space for early childhood providers and stakeholders to share best practices
and create healthy environments for children, ages 0-5. The Domain works with parents, teachers, administrators,
and childcare providers to promote an environment enabling healthy living and growth. Some of the current members
who serve on the Early Childhood Domain include representatives from the Early Childhood Council of Kern, Mercy
Child Care Center, West Bakersfield Optimist Club, Bakersfield College Student Optimist Clubs, Health Net, Community
Action Partnership of Kern, WIC, Kern County Mental Health Services, Bakersfield Memorial Center, Mercy and Memorial
Hospitals, and Kern County Public Health Department. The Early Childhood Domain is always looking for new partners.
Contact the Domain Leader if you are interested in joining the Domain or would like to find ways to be involved in the work.
Strategies
The Early Childhood Domain has identified key strategies to prevent chronic disease and promote healthy living. These include:
- Train early childhood educators to provide culturally appropriate nutrition and physical activity resources to parents
- Encourage early childhood educators to model behaviors that demonstrate healthy eating and physically active lifestyles
- Assist early childhood educators in utilizing fun activities to promote healthy nutrition and physical activity for children
- Encourage the adoption and implementation by early childhood educators of a “Gold Standard” wellness guideline
- Integrate obesity prevention content into the general education curriculum
- Ban the use of food as a reward or punishment
For a complete listing of the Healthcare Domain’s strategies, please see the Kern County Call to Action Chronic Disease and Obesity Plan.
Meetings
Contact Domain Leader
Tammy Burns, Early Childhood Council of Kern
taburns@kern.org
Bio: Tammy Burns has provided staff support to the Early Childhood Council of Kern since 1996. She coordinates the activities
of the 30-member Council, including meetings and events and coordinates Council needs assessments and strategic planning that focus
on policy, training, and recruitment within the early childhood field.
Overview
The Community/Faith/Youth Based Organization Domain brings together community organizations and residents in
developing solutions that improve neighborhood food and physical activity environments. The Domain supports
community residents and local organizations in policy, systems, and environmental change to enable healthy
living. Some of the current members who serve on the Community/Faith/Youth Based Domain include representatives
from Kern Community Foundation, Pacific Health Education Center, Grimm Family Education Foundation, Community
Action Partnership of Kern, Ebony Counseling Center, Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance, American Heart Association,
Kern County Network for Children, Catholic Charities Diocese of Fresno, Bike Bakersfield, Kern County Superintendent of
Schools, the Promotora Network, the Betty Ann Ong Foundation, the Greenfield Walking Group, West Bakersfield Optimists,
Optimist Clubs of Bakersfield College, the Dolores Huerta Foundation, WIC, and Kern County Mental Health Services.
The Community/Faith/Youth Based Organization Domain is always looking for new partners. Contact the Domain Leader if
you are interested in joining the Domain or would like to find ways to be involved in the work.
Strategies
The Community/Faith/Youth Based Organization Domain has identified key strategies to prevent chronic disease and promote healthy living. These include:
- Encourage community organizations to organize physical activities to increase awareness of healthy lifestyles
- Work with community organizations to develop resident-led wellness initiatives
- Improve channels of communication between organizations to improve coordination and increase access to health and physical activity resources
- Increase the number of community organizations with certified leaders of evidence-based self-management and physical activity programs
- Empower community organizations to increase their capacity in working with existing systems to create environments supporting healthy living
- Partner with other sectors to assist in financing healthy activities
For a complete listing of the Community/Faith/Youth Based Organization Domain strategies,
please see the Kern County Call to Action Chronic Disease and Obesity Plan.
Contact Domain Leader
Boyce B. Dulan, MD
bbdulan@aol.com
Bio: Dr. Dulan is a Preventive Health Consultant who lectures in the community and encourages community based organizations
and faith-based organizations to provide health prevention information to their constituents on a regular basis.
Dr. Dulan is also preparing an e-mail newsletter titled "HEALTH SMART" to further this work.
Tina Chapa, Executive Director at Bike Bakersfield
tina@bikebakersfield.org
Bio: As Executive Director of Bike Bakersfield, Tina Chapa’s goal is to help create a sustainable community where everyone
in the community has access to a transportation system that promotes a healthy lifestyle. Riding a bike is one of the easiest
changes we can make to promote a healthy body and a healthy environment. Tina’s goal in working with the CTG grant is to help
others to see the benefits of riding a bike in our everyday lives.
Overview
The Media Domain challenges media and other partners to reframe the issue of obesity with a focus on policy and environmental change.
The Domain works towards promoting, and increasing awareness of, healthy living through media outlets. Some of the current members
who serve on the Media Domain include representatives from KGET, Kern County Family Magazine, Health Net, Community Action Partnership
of Kern, Kern County Mental Health Services, Kern County Public Health Department, and Bakersfield Memorial Hospital. The Media Domain
is always looking for new partners. Contact the Domain Leader if you are interested in joining the Domain or would like to find ways
to be involved in the work.
Strategies
The Media Domain has identified key strategies to prevent chronic disease and promote healthy living. These include:
- Partner with other domains to create culturally sensitive, locally driven media campaigns addressing healthy lifestyles
- Partner with other domains to conduct a countywide campaign to foster public awareness of the consequences of poor nutrition and physical inactivity
- Partner with other domains to conduct a countywide campaign to foster public awareness of the health benefits of physical activity and healthy nutrition
- Partner with other domains to increase awareness of programs that provide low/no-cost physical activity opportunities for residents
- Partner with schools to promote the appeal of healthy foods in the same way fast foods are marketed
- Partner with businesses to limit advertising and promotion of unhealthy foods and beverages aimed at young children
For a complete listing of the Media Domain strategies,
please see the Kern County Call to Action Chronic Disease and Obesity Plan.
Contact Domain Leader
Currently recruiting.
Overview
The Business Domain engages business leaders in policies and practices that make good health and business sense.
The Domain supports businesses in planning and implementing policy and environmental change strategies that can
combat chronic disease and promote healthy living. Some of the current members who serve on the Business Domain
include representatives from TERRIO Therapy Fitness, Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce, Grimm Family Education
Foundation, Kern Health Systems, Health Net, Community Action Partnership of Kern, WIC, Kaiser Permanente, Kern
County Mental Health Services, Chevron North America Exploration & Production Company, Komoto Healthcare Medical
Pharmacy, Paramount Farms, and Clinica Sierra Vista. The Business Domain is always looking for new partners.
Contact the Domain Leader if you are interested in joining the Domain or would like to find ways to be involved in the work.
Strategies
The Business Domain has identified key strategies to prevent chronic disease and promote healthy living. These include:
- Include healthier food and beverage choices at fast food and full-service restaurants
- Increase access to certified farmer’s markets, food cooperatives, and community gardens
- Encourage adoption and implementation by businesses of a “Gold Standard” wellness guideline
- Institute healthy food and beverage standards for onsite vending machines
- Institute breastfeeding/lactation policy
- Institute point-of-decision prompts at or near worksites to increase knowledge of the availability of walking opportunities
For a complete listing of the Business Domain strategies,
please see the Kern County Call to Action Chronic Disease and Obesity Plan.
Contact Domain Leader
Tim Terrio, PT, ATC, CSCS, CEO of TERRIO Therapy-Fitness, Inc.
tterrio@terriotherapy.com
Bio: Tim Terrio is a Physical Therapist, Certified Athletic Trainer and is the founder and CEO of TERRIO Physical
Therapy and Fitness, Inc. He is also the current chairman of the board for the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce.
As the Business Domain Leader for the Call to Action: Chronic Disease and Obesity Task Force, Tim is actively working with
others to make Kern County a healthier place to live.
Health Eating, Active Living
California Active Communities
Information on increasing physical activity for all ages through behavioral, environmental and policy change
CDC: Overweight and Obesity
Database with national data and maps focusing on obesity trends
CDC: Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS)
Searchable database of health-risk behaviors related to the leading causes of death and disability among youth and adults
Choosemyplate.gov
USDA website for resources on nutrition
Community Garden Experts
List of local experts for community gardens
Dietary Recommendations for Children and Adolescents: A Guide for Practitioners
Farm to School Program
Resources for connecting schools with local farms to promote healthy meals
Kern County Breastfeeding Coalition Resource Guide: Spanish
List of organizations, programs, and services available to support breastfeeding
Kern County Public Health Services Department
Links to public health department services and programs including Kern County Call to Action Plan
Kidsdata.org
Comprehensive data about the health and well-being of children across California
Let's Move Child Care
Resources on preventing childhood obesity
Local Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Offices
Health and nutrition program for women, infants, and children under age five
Network for a Healthy California
State and National partners working towards improving the health of low-income Californians
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Library
Food and nutrition information with searchable index
Tobacco Control
Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights
National lobbying organization for nonsmokers' rights
Bay Area Smoke-Free Housing
Smoke-free housing resources for landlords, tenants and policy/advocacy
CDC: Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS)
Searchable database of health-risk behaviors related to the leading causes of death and disability among youth and adults
The Center for Tobacco Policy & Organizing
Statewide and local tobacco policy resources
Tobacco Control Laws Database
National database with summary of tobacco control laws; includes State Legislated Actions on Tobacco Issues (SLATI)
Tobacco Free CA
Resources and information on tobacco effects, secondhand smoke and more
Clinical & Preventive Services
American Diabetes Association
Information, resources, and tools related to diabetes
American Heart Association
Information, resources, and tools related to cardiovascular disease and stroke
The Heart Truth
Information aimed toward increasing awareness about the risk of heart disease among women
Built Environment & Policy
Active Living by Design
Resources related to increasing healthy eating and physical activity through community design and planning
California Center for Public Health Advocacy
Information on California Legislation, research and reports, and grassroots organizing
CDC Database
Searchable database for state legislative and regulatory actions related to obesity, nutrition and physical activity
Community Garden Experts
List of local experts for community gardens
Designing and Building Healthy Places
Resources on creating healthy communities for improving health
Designing Healthy Communities
Building healthy communities through changing designs of communities including transportation, parks and recreation, and housing design
Farm to School Program
Resources for connecting schools with local farms to promote healthy meals
Public Health Law & Policy
Nation-wide attorneys, policy analysts, and urban planners working to build healthy communities
Kern County Data
CSUB Library
Kern County Reference Sources
First 5 Kern Annual Report – 2007-2008
Children’s health data (ages 0-5 years) specific to Kern County
HealthyKern.org
A one stop source of non-biased data and information about community health in Kern County
Kidsdata.org
Children’s health data specific to Kern County
Report on the Status of Women & Girls in Kern County
Demographics, health and wellness information for women and girls in Kern County
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