Healthier Cumberland Coalition appoints leadership

The Healthier Cumberland Coalition (HCC), a group of citizens with a common goal of improving health in the Cumberland community, has announced the appointment of two persons to leadership positions.  The Coalition has recently received and is now implementing a three-year community health project funded by the Healthier Wisconsin Partnership Program.   Jeanette Olsen, of Cumberland, has accepted the position of Project Director.  Jeanette is a registered nurse with experience in occupational health and health promotions, and will direct the design and management of the project. Beth Narges, of Cumberland, has accepted the position of Project Assistant.  Beth has extensive experience in financial management and computer software. Both share an enthusiasm for health and wellness.  The Healthier Cumberland Coalition was initiated in 2004 under the leadership of Cumberland School District Superintendent Don Groth and Cumberland Memorial Hospital Education Coordinator Mary Jean Jergenson.  A wide variety of community members, as well as representatives of businesses and churches, have joined school and hospital staff in volunteering for various HCC activities. HCC recently received a three-year grant from the Medical College of Wisconsin's Healthier Wisconsin Partnership Program to implement a project to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors related to dietary intake and physical activity in Cumberland.  The grant is currently in the midst of a 6-month final planning phase with the implementation phase scheduled to start in January 2007.  Both school-based and community-based interventions are planned.  Programs will support healthy nutrition in the school and community environment, increasing physical activity for adults and youth, and educational activities to increase understanding and motivations for healthy lifestyle.  Community interventions will include screening for risk factors of heart disease and diabetes, healthy lifestyle coaching, and community fitness and nutrition challenges. In an effort to both meet the goals and objectives of the grant, as well as the needs and desires of area residents, HCC has conducted surveys and focus group discussions in the Cumberland community over the past several months.  Adults and youth indicated a high level of interest in community health screenings, fitness challenges, walking and biking trails, and improvements in nutrition at schools, restauraunts, and homes.       The Healthier Cumberland Coalition meets the third Tuesday of each month. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 21st at 4:00 p.m. at the Cumberland School District Administration Office.  New participants are always welcome.  Jeanette Olsen is available to speak to community groups about Healthier Cumberland and the Healthier Wisconsin Partnership Program grant.  Contact her at 822-5676 or hccjeanette@hotmail.com for more information.