(PTFS18-05-26) Live HealthSmart Alabama: Addressing Chronic Disease by Making Good Health Simple

Objectives: Live HealthSmart Alabama (LHSA) is a statewide initiative to improve Alabama’s health by making targeted Policy, Systems, and Environment changes to promote physical activity, good nutrition, and prevention/wellness. The overall goal is to improve the population level burden and outcomes of chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.

Methods: LHSA works with communities to identify actionable community priorities. Plans are collaboratively developed to address those priorities and support healthy behaviors. Evaluation includes documented changes, program uptake, and, longer-term, changes in behavior and health.

Results: Key results include enhanced community walkability and connectivity through nearly 25,000 linear feet (LF) of new or repaired sidewalks, 150 ADA-compliant ramps, 149 new crosswalks, 120 light fixtures, 350 trees and over 100 plants and greenery, 5 bus shelters, and 2 community gardens. LHSA has revitalized 4 community parks and a new Community Center. In the past year, LHSA and partners have hosted 98 physical activity programs with over 650 attendees in Birmingham, AL and 25 events in Selma, AL. The program is currently expanding to other locations statewide.

LHSA has addressed food availability with a Mobile Grocery serving nearly 19,000 residents since inception, with fruits and vegetables representing 58% of items sold. A Mobile Wellness Unit has provided services to over 6,500 residents, identifying over 1,000 undetected or poorly managed cases of disease, helping to improve health outcomes in 67% of screened participants. Community Health Coaches have connected almost 1,000 community members to needed healthcare services.

Conclusions: LHSA is improving health in participating communities. Early results from Mobile Wellness, the Mobile Market, and program participation show that LHSA is changing behaviors and improving outcomes among community residents. Further evaluation will determine effects at the population level.

Funding Sources: LHSA is funded by the University of Alabama at Birmingham Grand Challenge Initiative and is supported by partners including Novo Nordisk, Alabama Power, Uber Health, Coca-Cola Foundation, Smurfit Westrock, Brasfield & Gorrie Construction, and community and private foundations.