Our approach changed dramatically in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we were still able to support greater access to healthy eating and physical activity for our residents while reducing tobacco use and exposure. In the 2020 year-end fact sheet, we highlight our collective impact as we work to make a positive difference across the community.
Staying active this year was challenging to say the least, but active living projects in Washington County are leading the way to improved access to parks and trails year round. There has been renewed interest in parks, trails and outdoor activities due to COVID-19 restrictions and limited access to health clubs and fitness classes.
South Washington County Schools, District #833, is the largest school district in Washington County. With over 2,500 employees that span over 26 building locations, South Washington County Schools wanted to ensure nursing mothers returning to work had access to the space and resources needed to continue breastfeeding.
Due to their longstanding success and Washington County’s history of partnership and collaboration with this group, the Washington County Board along with the Department of Public Health and Environment formally recognized this group at the Washington County Board meeting on February 11, 2020 and celebrated their many contributions to the community.
Last year, Living Healthy Washington County worked with 120 partners to make it easier for over 261,000 residents to be healthy! In the 2019 year-end fact sheet, we highlight our collective impact as we work to make a positive difference across the community.
This summer, over two dozen child care providers across Washington County learned ways to keep children in their daycare active and focused, from the hottest days of summer to the frigid days of winter. Partnering with 1000 Petals, Living Healthy Washington County to offered child care providers the Move Mindfully® training.
In Spring 2019, two local organizations forged a partnership to build a community garden in a residential neighborhood in Woodbury. The community garden was built in the yard of a New Directions Inc. residential home, and is designed to be a resource to the home’s residents and the greater community.
Living Healthy in Washington County invites organizations in Washington County to apply for funding to improve health through projects that support healthy aging, worksite wellness, healthy eating, master planning, and active living in the community.
Research shows a strong connection between student health and their success in school. Promoting healthy behavior in schools can help youth improve test scores, grades, and attendance. With support from the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership, Living Healthy in Washington County is partnering with schools and districts to ensure all students have the opportunity to be healthy and successful.
On Sundays, community members can now shop for an array of produce and Minnesota goods at the new Newport Farmers Market. The market kicked off its first season on June 16 and will run through August 25. Located at the Newport Center, 1644 Hastings Ave, MN 55055, the market is open on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
In 2019, with funding through the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership, the City of Stillwater revitalized their employee fitness room. Previously it had rusty walls and pipes, stale air, and inadequate storage. With some improvements, the space was freshened up! A new coat of paint, ceiling fans, instructional posters, new storage racks and small exercise equipment made a big difference.
Washington County Public Health and Environment co-hosted an event with the Metro Food Access Network (MFAN) to showcase the important work happening in Washington County to increase access to healthy food for all residents. The event brought together over 100 individuals from healthcare, food shelves, farmers markets, nonprofits, government, and the community to learn about food access through an engaging panel of expert speakers and interactive food system stations.