Polk County, Wisconsin

(Partner: National Association of County and City Health Officials)

Community Mission

The mission of Polk County NPA is to inspire, motivate, and educate individuals and communities to be healthy through good nutrition and physical activity.

The vision of Polk County NPA is Healthy Lifestyle, Community, Environment.

Community Information

Polk County is a rural county located in western Wisconsin bordering Minnesota. Population: 44,205 (2010).

Community Change Strategy

Community-at-large: Policy - Complete Streets
School: Policy - Active School Environments
Worksite: Policy - Wellness
Healthcare: Policy - Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative

Related Websites

NPA's website
Polk County, WI - Community Health Improvement Plan
Polk County Health Department

Community Contacts

Name	E-mail	Phone
Janel Hemmesch	janelh@co.polk.wi.us	(715) 485-8551
Lanette M. Johnson	lanettej@osceolamedicalcenter.com	(715) 294-4745
Patty Willeman	patriciaw@amerymedical.com	(715) 755-2984

Activities

Complete Streets:

Photovoice Project
Walkability and Bike-ability Checklists
Active Living Workshop
Greenway Mapping Project

School: Organized a 3-part video conference series related to school wellness policy and nutrition/physical activity environments.

Worksite: Organized an annual multi-worksite challenge that incorporates an individual behavior-change program with bonus infrastructure challenges for each participating worksite.

Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI):

Met with OB staff/executive committee members at local medical centers to discuss BFHI
Established 2 breastfeeding support groups
Displayed at various community locations a Nursing Is Normal photo exhibit of moms/babies breastfeeding at local public places