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The Healthy Hawaii Initiative

An Effective Practice

Description

In 1999, Hawaii decided to use a large portion of tobacco settlement funds on the Healthy Hawaii Initiative (HHI). HHI targets physical inactivity, tobacco use, and poor nutrition. Prominent features of HHI include school health programs, community grants, education for health professionals, and a communication campaign, "Start Living Healthy." CDC provided technical assistance to the Hawaii Department of Health in evaluation and participated in a conference that led to the publication of Recommendations for Assessment, Monitoring, and Evaluation of Physical Activity in Hawai'i.

Goal / Mission

The goal of this program is to improve health and increase physical activity in Hawaii.

Results / Accomplishments

From 2000 to 2002, the initiative funded over 40 schools and communities to implement programs and environmental and policy changes. Funded interventions include a walk to school program, a joint land use agreement between the Department of Parks and Recreation and schools, and a program to implement SPARK (Sports Play & Active Recreation for Kids) into schools' curricula. With a 15-year time frame (1999-2014), HHI seeks to bring about environmental, policy, and programmatic changes to make long-term improvements in physical activity rates.

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
Hawaii Department of Health
Primary Contact
Hawaii Department of Health
1250 Punchbowl Street, Room 422
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
(808) 586-4481
Topics
Health / Physical Activity
Art & Recreation / Sports Recreation & Parks
Community / Governance
Organization(s)
Hawaii Department of Health
Source
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Steps to a Healthier U.S.
Date of publication
2003
Date of implementation
1999
Location
Hawaii
Target Audience
Children