Members of SHIFT (Shaping Health Improving Fitness Together) Labette County on Thursday discussed levels of community change required when it comes to having people make healthier choices.

Various scenarios were given and members asked if change was needed on an individual level, social/group level, physical organizational level, or policy/system level. The discussion gave those present some insight into what the group is facing in its commitment to promote healthy lifestyles for the well-being of the community by bridging gaps between people and organizations that can improve health and wellness, mentally and physically.

Discussions revolved around topics such as healthy food choices for students attending public school and reducing food waste and a commitment of workplaces to promoting better health among employees.

SHIFT Labette started in 2018 as a response to the countys place in the annual health rankings by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. In 2019, Labette County was ranked 101st out of 105 counties in Kansas in overall health.

Tara Solomon-Smith, Wildcat Extension District adult development and aging agent, led the discussion. She then informed the group that it had received a $24,332 Kansas Health Foundations grant to move SHIFT Labette County forward in the next year, helping it to solidify its mission. The grant will be shared with the Montgomery County Wellness Coalition.

I think it is going to be great for both of our counties. We have a lot of the same problems, same concerns, Roberts said. I think it will be a great opportunity to work together.

Solomon-Smith said in the first quarter of 2020, the team, with the help of Wichita State University, will begin building on SHIFTs capacity. Training through the Kansas State University Institute for Civic Discourse will provide members with the skills to carry on community conversations around health will be available.

During the second quarter, those community conversations will take place.

In the third quarter, community conversations will continue and data will be compiled to develop action steps.

The fourth quarter community conversations will continue with focus on implementing at least one action step toward improving the health of Labette County.

Those present also heard about the upcoming special presentation in October by Thrive Allen County CEO Lisse Regehr, who will speak to how Labette County can share ideas and plan projects to make Labette County a better place to live, work and raise a family. Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn more about the Grow Labette initiative.

The rest is here:

SHIFT Labette will take healthy living message to community in 2020 - Parsons Sun