23 - TEXAS HEALTHY COMMUNITIES RECOGNITION

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Item No. 23 COUNCIL MEMBER AGENDA ITEM REQUEST Please complete this form to have an item placed on the agenda for the Council's consideration. The deadline for requesting an item on an agenda will be the Wednesday before the council meeting takes place. This time is necessary so that staff can research the matter and prepare /review an ordinance, resolution, or other document such as a contract. In order for your fellow Council Members to fully understand your item, have productive discussion, ensure efficient council meetings, and for staff to be able to assist you as completely as possible, it is important that you describe the item with as much detail as possible and include any supporting documentation so that it may be included in the Council's meeting packets. Please return this completed form to the City Manager's office or the City Clerk's office. Council member making request: ❑ Aaron Jenkins ❑ Matt Frierson ❑ Sue Lancaster ® Edwin Pickle ❑ Benny Plata ❑ A.J. Hashmi ❑ Steve Clifford Description of Item: Texas Healthy Communities Recognition The Texas Healthy Communities Program recognizes cities for having environmental, and policy infrastructure and practices in place that are public health priorities for reducing cardiovascular disease, stroke, and other chronic diseases. The cities that are involved (including Paris and Lamar County) are assessed on nine priority community -based policy, systems and environmental change indicators that are vital to reducing the burden of heart disease and stroke. The key indicators that were assessed include: physical activity, nutrition, breastfeeding, schools, worksites, tobacco, cardiac and stroke response, and healthcare quality. Lamar County was one of 20 counties in the State of Texas that were awarded this grant and privilege to assess the community. The Texas Healthy Communities program was developed in 2003 under the leadership of the Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Section (DSHS) and the Texas Council on Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke with the help of a group of public and private organizations dedicated to reducing the burden of heart disease and stroke in Texas. The program evolved as experts on heart disease, stroke, and related risk factors (diabetes, obesity, poor nutrition, physical inactivity, smoking, high blood pressure, and high blood cholesterol) continued to lend their expertise and recommendations for creating a program that is evidenced -based and has practical application for community and policy change. The program assessment engages city leaders, creates a public sense of pride when a city is recognized as a Texas Healthy Community, increase chronic disease awareness and education and promotes healthier worksites, schools, and communities. City of Paris Revised 05/19/2015