The Healthy Pontiac, We Can (HPWC) Coalition is calling on Pontiac residents to complete a survey about their health and wellness. The results will help the HPWC Coalition respond to health trends in Pontiac and prioritize future initiatives. Participate by visiting www.OakGov.com/health.
“It is vital that we hear from Pontiac residents,” said Kathy Forzley, manager/health officer of Oakland County Health Division. “Their feedback will help Healthy Pontiac, We Can serve them better in the future.”
The survey gauges participants’ opinions on topics ranging from access to physical activity and grocery stores to thoughts about various health issues within their community. It also touches on general community characteristics such as use of public parks, feelings of community unity, and availability of medical and dental care facilities. Any Pontiac resident over the age of 18 is eligible to take the survey. To receive paper copies of the survey, please email healthypontiac@gmail.com. Surveys are available in English and Spanish.
The Pontiac Community Survey was first distributed to residents in 2011. Using results from that survey, Oakland County Health Division secured grant funds on behalf of HPWC for projects within Pontiac which included installing adult fitness stations and a walking trail in Oakland Park and developing and supporting two “pop-up” produce markets. Current projects include working with local grocery stores to implement a Healthy Bites, an in-store program that provides colorful signs with easy- to-use nutrition information to help customers identify healthier options when shopping, and installing bike racks and bike fix-it stations throughout Pontiac and along the Clinton River Trail.
About Healthy Pontiac, We Can! (HPWC!)
Oakland County Health Division organized the HPWC Coalition in the spring of 2011 after receiving a Building Healthy Communities planning grant from the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH). The mission of the coalition is to increase healthy eating, physical activity, and tobacco-free living to create a vibrant community that supports healthy lifestyles for all.
To find out more information about HPWC, visit www.HealthyPontiac.org, their Facebook page, on Twitter @healthypontiac or email healthypontiac@gmail.com.
About Sarah Hovis