Community Health

Chronic Disease Prevention

• Physical Activity, Nutrition & Obesity
• Tobacco Prevention

Women, Infant and Children Nutrition Program (WIC)

Chronic diseases -- such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes -- are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. In Whatcom County, the rates of chronic disease are on the rise, while many of the healthy behaviors that prevent them are declining

OUR APPROACH

Adopting healthy behaviors such as eating nutritious foods, being physically active and avoiding tobacco use can prevent or control the devastating effects of chronic diseases. Our Chronic Disease Prevention program focuses on supporting these three healthy habits to increase community well-being through environmental changes, healthy policies and community partnerships.

CURRENT PROJECTS

In March 2009, Whatcom County was selected as one of forty-three communities in the nation to participate in the national Action Communities for Health, Innovation, and EnVironmental ChangE (ACHIEVE) Initiative.The ACHIEVE Initiative aims to create healthy communities by promoting local leadership and action to reduce chronic diseases through implementation of policy, systems and environmental change strategies.

Visit Tobacco Prevention or Physical Activity, Nutrition & Obesity pages for additional information on topic specific projects.

ONLINE PREVENTION RESOURCES

ACHIEVE Healthy Communities
Center's for Disease Control & Prevention
WA DOH - Community Wellness & Prevention
Guide to Community Preventive Services
The Prevention Institute
National Association of Chronic Disease Directors

Staff Contacts

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