Pathways to a Healthy Kansas
In 2016, the Live Healthy Franklin County coalition was one of 8 Kansas communities to receive a 4-year Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS).
This grant provided $450,000 to community organizations and projects aimed at increasing healthy eating and tobacco-free, active living where we live, work, learn, and play.
The project has worked across 7 "Pathways":
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Community policy: projects included Wellsville Walkability Assessment and associated sidewalk/trail projects; tobacco-free parks policies for Princeton Recreation, City of Princeton, City of Lane, City of Pomona, City of Williamsburg, Legacy Square-Ottawa; healthy concessions policy for Princeton Recreation
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Resident/community well-being: projects included park improvements at Lane Park, Princeton Park, Pomona Park, Williamsburg Track and Park, Legacy Square-Ottawa, Rantoul Park; exercise classes at Pomona Library
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Food retail: Wrays Bulk Foods added nutrition information on products and deli items, improved signage and placement improved for healthy foods, expanded healthy foods; other retailer projects TBA
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Health care providers: Elizabeth Layton Center is implementing a new health policy; other changes TBA
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Restaurants: Leroy's BBQ (Pomona), Pizza Village, and Smoked Creations met Healthy Restaurant Pledge requirements; other restaurants projects TBA
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Schools: USD 288 Central Heights passed 3 new wellness policies including community access, water bottles in classrooms, and FACS class enhancements; USD 289 Wellsville passed 4 new wellness policies including indoor recess, fitness assessment, extra-curriculur physical activities with community partners, and water bottles in classrooms
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Worksites: healthy policies passed and comprehensive programs implemented at Kalmar, Franklin County Government, USD 289 Wellsville, Elizabeth Layton Center, Neosho County Community College-Ottawa, ECKAN, and ECKAAA (Agency on Aging)
Progress Updates:
Summer 2019 Video
Spring 2019 Impact Report
Fall 2018 Key Findings report: Survey Results Guide Action Towards Healthy Options: In late 2018, the Live Healthy Franklin County coalition conducted a survey to examine the perceptions of Franklin County community members about the issues of healthy eating, active living, and tobacco-free living. The survey was a part of the Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant that was received by the Franklin County Health Department. Pathways is a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas initiative. Here are a few key findings from the survey, which had 117 respondents.
Fall 2017 Video
What does Blue Cross and Blue Shield
of Kansas aim to achieve?
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas recognizes that increasing physical activity, eating healthy and avoiding tobacco are among the best ways to lower risk for developing chronic diseases. Also, these are great ways to live longer, healthier lives. Through Pathways grant funding and resources, Blue Cross expects communities will:
- Increase awareness and community engagement in leading healthy lifestyles.
- Support tobacco-free living.
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