Our Mission
The mission of the Steps to a Healthier Rockland Program is to help residents, students and employees in Rockland live longer, better, and healthier lives by preventing and managing leading public health chronic diseases and related risk factors. This is done by collaborating with the Rockland County Department of Health, community leaders, professionals, and county residents.
Our Vision
Steps to a Healthier Rockland County envisions communities where health is a priority, active living is promoted, disease is prevented, and residents naturally engage in behaviors that lead to longer and healthier lives. As a result of Steps initiatives, community residents are better prepared to take personal responsibility for their health and the community is empowered to adopt healthy lifestyles and reduce the burden of chronic disease.
Our Work
The Steps program partners with schools, worksites, health care settings, and communities to address chronic disease, maximize resources and avoid duplication of effort by making policy, practice and environmental changes. Outreach efforts focus on Rockland’s culturally diverse communities and low-income neighborhoods where the burden of chronic disease is disproportionately high.
Our History
Steps to a Healthier Rockland was born out of the 5-year Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Cooperative Agreement, Steps to a HealthierUS, awarded to Rockland County from 2003 - 2008. This initiative addressed obesity, diabetes and asthma and the related risk factors of physical inactivity, poor nutrition, and tobacco use and exposure. With the ending of the CDC grant, the Rockland County Department of Health’s Health Education Division will continue it’s effort to combat lifestyle related chronic disease in Rockland County by building upon prior successes and sustaining positive community and school based initiatives.
Some Accomplishments of the Steps to a Healthier Rockland Program:
(September 2008)
- 13 Municipalities have designated nearly 90 outdoor play areas as tobacco-free zones.
- 10,500 residents are enrolled in an ongoing countywide walking challenge.
- 80 restaurants are promoting over 950 healthier menu options.
- 51 corner stores and bodegas now stock and label over 400 healthier choices for their customers affecting over 100,000 residents living within walking distance of the store.
- More than 380 people have lost over 1,700 pounds through the weight loss programs.
- 62 teenagers have participated in programs to improve their nutrition, and lost a total of 280 pounds.
- 66 businesses and organizations have committed to providing healthier food and exercise breaks at their meetings and activities affecting over 12,000 people.
- Over 100 high-risk children and their families have participated in the Steps to Better Breathing program to reduce asthma attacks, which cost missed days at school, hospitalization, and lives.
- Over 50 school-based teams have implemented over 200 changes in school policies that support healthier eating, exercise, and health education for students.
- 152 teachers in all nine school districts in Rockland County have been trained to use physical activity in their lesson plans to support healthy brain development and student achievement. Over 50 school-based teams have implemented over 200 changes in school policies that support healthier eating, exercise, and health education for students. Over 43,000 students are benefiting from school-based health improvements.
Steps to a Healthier Rockland Collaborative
The Steps to a Healthier Rockland Collaborative meets on a quarterly basis to discuss trends in chronic disease and local programs. The goal of the Steps to a Healthier Rockland Collaborative is to effect change through partnerships with community organizations. The Collaborative has subcommittees called Action Groups that guide the collaborative through the development of action plans and implementation of programs. Action Groups include: School Food Cooperative, School Health and Wellness Coalition.
To become a member of the Steps to a Healthier Rockland Collaborative and join the Steps to a Healthier Rockland email list, complete the registration form. Email completed registration form to steps@co.rockland.ny.us
