Engaging in regular physical activity is essential for improving or maintaining good health at any age. It reduces the risk of chronic diseases, supports mental well-being, and promotes healthy aging. However, despite these benefits, many people fall short of recommended activity guidelines.

​

To address this, our REACH program focuses on improving how communities are designed so that it's easier and safer for people to include physical activity into their daily lives.​​​​​ During our first year, we worked with local city and village officials to complete activities that addressed potential areas of concern. These activities included:​

​

• Conducting a community-wide assessment

• Creating an action plan based on assessment findings

• Collaborating with partners and community residents to collect pre-demonstration pedestrian and vehicular data

• Implementing a demonstration project

​

​These efforts have set the foundation for healthier communities in our counties and will continue to evolve as we build on our successes and address new challenges. Stay tuned for more updates as we move forward in our mission to create active, vibrant communities.