Publication Date

8-2012

Type of Culminating Activity

Thesis

Degree Title

Master of Health Science in Health Promotion

Department

Community and Environmental Health

Supervisory Committee Chair

Sarah Toevs

Abstract

In recent years, there has been in increased focus, at local, state, and national levels, on addressing health disparities. The purpose of the Healthy Eating, Active Living (HEAL) Idaho Network is to create an environment that allows all its residents access to healthy food options and opportunities for physical activity. The HEAL Idaho Network initiative seeks to accomplish this goal through an expanding collaborative network of organizations, agencies, businesses, and individuals that are concerned about improving the health education and overall well-being of all Idahoans.

The purpose of this study was to assess HEAL member’s levels of satisfaction with the planning and implementation, leadership, local and state-wide involvement, communication, and member involvement strategies, utility of the framework, and overall outcomes and impact. The member satisfaction survey was distributed through email to each member of the HEAL Idaho Network included in the HEAL Google Group.

The Healthy Eating, Active Living (HEAL) Network Member Survey was completed by 37 participants; this represents a response rate of 24.6%, based on the number of email addresses in the HEAL Google Group email database. Overall, the mean satisfaction scores for each component indicate that the members of the HEAL Idaho Network were satisfied with the activities implemented by the network. Satisfaction with the HEAL Framework indicated that the members were neutral about their use of the framework, specifically its development, the impact of the framework on their work, and progress towards goals.

Through the continued enhancement of core competencies, such as those evaluated with this survey, the HEAL Network creates a environment that facilitates the dynamic changes that need to take place to successfully impact health outcomes in Idaho. Research indicates that sharing the commitment, resources, creative energy, and expanding reach contributes greatly to the sustainable future of collaborative efforts for creating change. The HEAL Network has the potential to be the catalyst for dramatic health impacts both at the local, community level, and for the entire state of Idaho.

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