Gainesville
Gainesville, Georgia is one of CHT’s 21st Century Healthy Communities. In 2007 CHT was asked by the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Healthcare Committee to assist in the development a strategic plan to focus on helping the residents of Greater Hall County manage their own health. Under the HealthSmart umbrella, the initiatives include an interactive health and wellness expo, a restaurant challenge to encourage healthy eating, a program to recognize employers who have adopted a wellness and health culture, and an annual 5K run/walk. Gainesville, Georgia is a great model for other communities interested in coming together to improve the health of their citizens.
2008 HealthSmart Interactive Health & Wellness EXPO
The Center for Health Transformation was a sponsor of the 2008 HealthSmart Interactive Health & Wellness EXPO. Held on October 8th at the Georgia Mountains Center, the event was kicked-off at a luncheon featuring Barbara Dooley, wife of legendary football coach of the University of Georgia Bulldogs Vince Dooley. Barbara gave a motivational presentation highlighting her resent experiences as a breast cancer survivor. Combining humor with an honest discussion of the healthcare system and the impact that a diagnosis has on the entire family, Barbara encouraged the attendees to live each day to the fullest and to let those whom you love know it.
The luncheon was catered by Scott’s on the Square with a special focus on healthy selections. Chef Scott Dixon launched the HealthSmart Restaurant Challenge. Over 28 local restaurants are participating in the challenge. Healthy choices will be indicated by the ‘I’m HealthSmart’ logo. Each time an individual makes a healthy selection it will be indicated on a punch card. When the card is complete, the individual will be able to take it to the Chamber of Commerce to trade it for prizes.
The Expo followed with health screenings, educational sessions, and exhibits for the community. The Center for Health Transformation sponsored glucose and lipids screening through a grant from Novo Nordisk.
Kit Dunlap, President of the Greater Hall County Chamber, Mimi Collins. Head of the Healthcare Subcommittee, and their team deserve congratulations for this innovative approach to community wellness. We at the Center for Health Transformation look forward to continuing to work with them and following the impact they are having in improving the health of the citizens of their community.
