MANISTIQUE - Since its inception in February 2009, the Strategic Alliance for Health (SAH) Coalition in Manistique has made numerous strides toward bettering the lifestyles of residents. As this year winds down, the coalition is already making plans for their next set of initiatives which will be pursued throughout 2010.
"In September of 2009, the Manistique SAH began strategic planning for year two and selected physical activity and nutrition as the target areas that would be addressed in order to create policy, systems and environmental change in schools and the community," said Kerry Ott, Manistique SAH community coordinator
"The SAH is working in collaboration with local government, schools, agencies, and community members on projects that will best benefit the health and wellness of the entire population."
Most recently, the SAH conducted a Walkability Audit with walkable community expert Dan Burden. Using the information gathered from the walk and Burden, as well as public input, the Coalition was able to create long-term plans for the rehabilitation of Manistique streets and sidewalks and its eventual transformation into an ideal place for an active community members and tourists.
Among the projects spawned from the audit was a Complete Streets policy. "The Manistique SAH Coalition is beginning work on the development of a Complete Streets policy," said Ott. "Instituting a complete streets policy ensures that transportation planners and engineers consistently design and operate the entire roadway with all users in mind - including bicyclists, public transportation vehicles and riders, and pedestrians of all ages and abilities."
In conjunction with the Complete Streets policy, the SAH has also partnered with Manistique Area Schools and Manistique city government to institute a Safe Routes to School project. According to Ott, this project, "not only makes it safer for children walking or biking between home and school, but increases physical activity access for all members of the Manistique community."
The possibilities of establishing a permanent farmer's market, a community greenhouse and encouraging smoke-free environments have also been explored by the coalition.
In fact, SAH will soon be featuring a workshop with Jim Bergman, J.D., an international expert in the areas of law, aging, tobacco control, and smoke-free rental housing. During the workshop, which will be held on Dec. 2 at the Manistique Tribal Health Center, smoke-free housing policies and the potential benefits they hold will be discussed.
As the next year unravels, the SAH intends to stay focused on their overall goals.
"The work of these projects in 2009-10 will center on process, education and information," explained Ott. "These projects are vital to increasing physical activity and increasing access to nutritious foods for the people in and around the Manistique community."
The meetings of the SAH Coalition are held on the third Friday of every month in Manistique City Hall at 1:30 p.m. and are open to the public. For more information on the Coalition or to get involved with their projects contact Kerry Ott at 387-1175.