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WVU and CDC partnership helps build healthy futures in southern West Virginia

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What’s the News?

A cross-campus collaboration at West Virginia University is addressing local solutions for West Virginia’s health-related challenges. The Be Wild, Be Wonderful, Be Healthy project is working in Clay and McDowell counties to increase access to physical activity and healthy foods. The WVU Extension Service, the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences and the School of Public Health have a five-year contract with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help reduce obesity and other chronic diseases in these communities related to long-term unhealthy lifestyles.

Quotes and Comments

“The first year of the Be Healthy project has exceeded the team’s expectations. A variety of organizations and individuals in the two counties have provided helpful feedback, expertise and support for the project, and we look forward to expanding our work in the coming year.” — Kerry Gabbert, project coordinator for Be Wild, Be Wonderful, Be Healthy

“The ultimate goal is to help the communities, to empower them to be able to make those changes themselves.” — Ami Cook, WVU Extension Service agent in Clay County

“We’ve discussed building a garden for children for years. When this opportunity came along, it was the catapult that pushed us into doing something about it.” — Marsha Timpson, Big Creek People in Action

Resources

Link to original story: WVU faculty awarded CDC grant to help southern West Virginia communities build healthy futures

WVU Extension Service and CDC project announces community partnerships to support healthy lifestyles in southern West Virginia

Target Audiences

  • Community members
  • Community Officials
  • Government Officials
  • Other States
  • Other Universities
  • Researchers 

-WVU-

hb/10/08/19

CONTACT: Hannah Booth
WVU Extension Service
304.293.8701; hannah.booth@mail.wvu.edu

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