REACH

Marion County REACH Priority Area 

The CDC awarded the Marion County Public Health Department funding to create a network of strategies to address high chronic disease rates in Marion County through a program called Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH).

REACH is one of the only CDC programs that focuses on reducing chronic disease (high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, etc.) for specific racial and ethnic groups in urban, rural, and tribal communities. REACH partners with communities with the highest rates of chronic disease to improve health.

In Marion County, the goal of the REACH program is to improve health, prevent chronic diseases, and reduce health disparities. Locally, at the Marion County Public Health Department, this program aims to: increase availability and access to fruits, vegetables, and other nourishing foods in a variety of venues; increase the percentage of women who initiate and sustain breastfeeding and increase supportive work environments for lactating mothers; advocate for walking infrastructure so that walking is safe, convenient, and encouraged; and, maximize the use of existing health education community resources. Please continue below to learn more about what REACH does around Marion County.

· Work with food pantries to incorporate extensive and creative nutrition “nudges” to help guide pantry clients toward making healthier choices. · Expand the double-up produce incentive program, Fresh Bucks, initiated by the Indy Hunger Network and offered for families on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

· Develop a Produce Rx Program in Federally Qualified Health Centers.

· Carry out an array of strategies to result in additional foods aligned with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans in hospital venues.

· Build and/or enhance clinical community linkages to ensure higher participation in community-based diabetes prevention programs and diabetes self-management education/support programs.

· Work in priority areas representing high numbers of pedestrian crash incidents to conduct pedestrian safety community conversations, assist with action plan development, and track action plan implementation to achieve safer walking conditions in their neighborhoods.

· Existing breastfeeding resources and develop a plan to promote classes and drop-in centers by reaching out to community-based organizations, faith-based and employer networks, and healthcare settings. For more information about the REACH program around the nation please click here. Click here to view the CDC REACH fact sheet and learn more about the program.

Asset Map

Complete the Breastfeeding Survey

In our efforts to focus on the improvement of health outcomes in Marion County, especially maternal /child health, breastfeeding and working mothers in our REACH priority zip codes, it is important that we hear from you- the community! This survey asks about access to local health education classes, knowledge of existing lactation support resources and awareness of workplace policies to accommodate nursing parents.

All responses are confidential, and participants may skip any question(s) you do not feel comfortable answering. To complete the survey, click here, scan the QR code, or use the URL below.

Meet the Team

How can we better help you? Please click here to leave a comment/suggestion.

What’s happening in REACH?

Stay updated with the latest from the REACH program! Simply scan our QR code or click the link to discover what’s happening in and around your community.

Check out our videos on the projects we’ve done!