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HEALTHY PEOPLE PROGRAM <br /> RESULTS <br /> 41/1 <br /> The Healthy People wellness program was developed to <br /> compliment the existing Park and Recreation offerings for <br /> the cities of Mounds View and New Brighton. The program <br /> was initiated December 1983 . The program thus far, was <br /> successful to the extent that it served to initiate an <br /> image change toward a more comprehensive 'wellness ' concept , <br /> and it generated opportunities for individuals to increase <br /> awareness of good health practices and participate in <br /> positive behavior change activities . An aggressive marketing <br /> strategy served to disseminate quality materials to the <br /> residents , local media and area businesses , churches , and <br /> schools. <br /> The development of program materials , theme, logo and <br /> reward system went well . The community needs were assessed <br /> and pilot classes were offered in response to these needs . <br /> The participant response was 50-70% of offerings being <br /> filled, with a gradual increase over the first three sessions . <br /> This was consistent with the national statistic that states ; <br /> a new health class offerings requires three consecutive <br /> offerings to allow adequate participation to maintain a <br /> program. This is also similiarly related to the three <br /> documented stages of consumer behavior, being; awareness , <br /> personal responsibiliLy and choice; and action. <br /> 4111 <br /> A marketing strategy was implemented with the idea that <br /> "the ability to offer a quality service is simply not enough <br /> to achieve success . Marketing and promotion is required. " <br /> (Modern Marketing, 1979) The average American is exposed to <br /> over 1, 000 ads daily, most of which never break through their <br /> perceptual screens . New ads need to be exposed as many as nine <br /> times for awareness and action to occur. (USA Today, 1984) <br /> The identified Healthy People population who compiled the <br /> majority of participants was consistent with the national <br /> statistic that tells us the trend is for 30-45 year old male <br /> and specifically females and the over 65 year old , who are <br /> increasingly becoming an important consumer segment. (Mod. Mar. ) <br /> I would add that the pre-school programs are well attended also. <br /> Highlights of the program include enthusiastic support <br /> by the participants and individual desire expressed toward <br /> psoitive lifestyle change. Positive response to the reward <br /> system of point accumulation and t-shirt distribution for <br /> recognition. Increased awareness of good health practices by <br /> the staff of the two cities involved, and several articles <br /> covering the program by the Mpls . and St. Paul papers and <br /> 'Minneaota Cities ' journal Emphasizing the innovation by a <br /> municipal sector implementing a wellness program. The Healthy <br /> People Wellness Fair in Feb. 1984 provided momentum and enthusiasm <br /> for the program <br />