The Roanoke Valley Community Healthy Living Index:
West End Target AreaRoanoke, VA
Roanoke College• Salem, Virginia• Independent, liberal arts college• 2,100 undergraduates• Focus on high quality experiential learning opportunities
– Summer Scholar - Independent Study– URAP - Intensive Learning Term– Work-Study Research - Capstone Experiences
Sparking Undergraduate Interest:The Community-Based Participatory Research Model
Substantial variations in the presence of adverse health conditions exist
relative to the sociocultural, environmental, and economic status
of a community1-2.
1. Davison & Lawson (2006). Do attributes in the physical environment influence children's physical activity? International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 3, 19.2. Humpel, Owen, & Leslie (2002). Environmental factors associated with adults’ participation in physical activity. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 22(3), 188-199.
Childhood Obesity
Environmental
Barriers
Sociocultural
Factors
Neighborhood Safety
Perceived
Barriers
Undergraduate Learning Goals1. Systematic analysis of correlates to health– Community Healthy Living Index and Fitnessgram
• Built environment, safety, perceived accessibility, fitness outcomes
2. Data mining and analysis procedures
3. Capstone experiences – Final reports and peer-reviewed publications– Local, regional, national presentations– “Lasting impressions”
Objectives of the Roanoke Valley Community Healthy Living Index
1. Evaluate barriers to healthy living across diverse neighborhoods within Roanoke, VA – Demographic and economic profile, infrastructure, safety
2. Evaluate relationships between prevalent adverse health conditions and the availability of resources promoting medical access*, physical activity participation, and healthy eating behaviors.
PATH Coalition Target Area
West End Rejuvenation Corridor
CHLI Phase 1
West End Neighborhood• Census Tract 10, population 2,200• Residential center of railroad corridor; primarily renter
occupied• Median income: $21,231• 54% below poverty level; 47.2% receive food stamps
Phase 1 Goals1. Provide neighborhood-level summary of environmental
factors supporting / detracting from participation in healthy living.
2. Outline recommendations which may lead to improved accessibility in the target area.
3. Consider the role of preexisting neighborhood objectives.1. Hurt Park / West End / Mountain View Neighborhood Plan2. City-Wide Brownfield Redevelopment Plan3. West End Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area Plan
Neighborhood Audit Strategy
12345
67
826
27 2829 30 31 Industrial/ Brownfield
1314
15 16 17
21
22
19 1820
Industrial
CHLI Phase 1 Outcomes
Barriers to Healthy Living: Safety
12345
67
826
27 2829 30 31 Industrial/ Brownfield
1314
15 16 17
21
22
19 1820
Industrial
Sex offender
Breaking and entering
Theft
Assault with deadly weapon
CHLI Phase 1 Outcomes
• Improve neighborhood safety by increasing patrol services in this area.
• City goals: Continue Drug Market Initiative and neighborhood watch programs; increase police presence via regular bike patrol
Barriers to Healthy Living:Physical Activity Accessibility
123456
7826
27 28 2930 31 Industrial/ Brownfield13 14
15 16 17
21 19 1820
22
Industrial
Barriers to Healthy Living: Physical Activity Accessibility
CHLI Phase 1 Outcomes• Improve ADA compliance including rejuvenation of “star
brick” areas.
• Develop bike routes to promote active transportation to downtown Roanoke and Grandin Village; enhance bicycle access to recreational facilities.
• Construct new sidewalks to enhance connectivity for pedestrians and users of public transportation.
• City goals: Streetscape improvements (i.e., tree canopy); beautification of transition areas; curb and gutter improvements
Barriers to Healthy Living: Healthy Food Accessibility
12345
67
826
27 2829 30 31 Industrial/ Brownfield
1314
15 16 17
21
22
19 1820
Industrial
CHLI Phase 1 Outcomes• Continue to incentivize business owners.• Consider brownfield areas as potential sites for established,
affordable grocers.
• City goals: Not explicitly outlined
Phase 1 Data-Driven Stakeholder Initiatives
• Crosswalk development– City Traffic Engineer, Office of Neighborhood Services, West End
Neighborhood Resident Committee (SWETA)
• Sidewalk quality initiative– City Department of Planning, Building, Development
• Safe Routes to School– City Department of Planning, Building, Development
Hurt Park Elementary “Catch” Area
Phase 2
CHLI Phase 2 Target Area
1. Evaluate barriers to healthy living in the Hurt Park neighborhood and school “catch” area.– Built environment, safety, sociocultural factors, perceived
barriers
2. Identify problem neighborhoods, correlates to poor health-related fitness, relationships betweenreal and perceived barriers to healthy living.
CHLI Phase 2 Goals
CHLI Phase 2 Outcomes• Presentation of neighborhood-level data
– Findings omitted from handouts to preserve participant confidentiality
• Summary of findings from Phase 2
Community-Based Participatory Research: The Role of the Academic Partner
®
Acknowledgements
Ms. Leah Hall (2013),B.S. Exercise Science
Ms. Lauren Roth (2016),B.B.A. Business Administration
PATH Community Coalition
Information:
Dr. Elizabeth HolbrookRoanoke College
Health & Human [email protected]
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