Healthy Savannah Survey Results Show Increased Use of Community-Based Solutions

SAVANNAH, Ga. - Jan. 26, 2023 - PRLog -- (SAVANNAH, GA) Savannahians are becoming more aware of and utilizing community-based solutions that promote healthy food and physical activity where they live, work and play. The findings of a 2022 survey conducted by Healthy Savannah (http://healthysavannah.org/) were revealed at its CDC Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) (https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/state-local-programs/reach/index.htm) Stakeholders' Meeting on January 25, 2023.

About 35 participants were in attendance, representing Savannah and Chatham County organizations committed to elevating the health and wellness of the community. The event was held at the Vaden Automotive (https://www.danvaden.com/) corporate office building at 12020 Abercorn in Savannah.

The 2022 survey measured the impact of ongoing efforts funded by the REACH grant in areas of nutrition, physical activity and community/clinical linkages as experienced by Black residents in low-wealth neighborhoods. Feedback was collected from 642 respondents across the county but concentrated in target census tracts.

The 2022 survey results indicated:

• Physical Activity – More people are aware of the Tide to Town (https://tidetotown.org/) trail system and Active People Healthy Savannah (https://healthysavannah.org/healthy-activities/) initiative. Access to sidewalks, bike lanes and other recreation facilities has become more important. Nearly half of the respondents would walk or bike to work, school or shopping if there were safe paths or sidewalks.
• NUTRITION AND HEALTHY FOOD ACCESS: Forsyth Farmers' Market (FFM) (https://forsythfarmersmarket.com/) continues to be a leading resource in Savannah (https://www.savannahga.gov/) /Chatham County (https://www.chathamcountyga.gov/). A majority of respondents (66%) had heard about or used the market and (53%) currently purchase healthy foods at FFM, up 20% from 2019. A quarter (26%) had purchased food from FFM's Farm Truck 912 (https://forsythfarmersmarket.com/farmtruck912) and three quarters (75%) desired to do so. Generally, there was an increase in healthy food purchases and the use of SNAP benefits.
• RESOURCE DIRECTORIES AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES: Resource directories are beginning to see an increase in utilization. Nearly two-thirds (61%) of respondents had used the 211 resource line in 2022, up from 32% in 2021. Herohelpme.com, an online directory of community health resources, with 57% of respondents reporting its use. This was an increase in use, up from 20% of respondents in 2021.

Kreissler challenged participants to use the survey results and resources such as the REACH-funded Community Health Advocate program to develop specific actions for their agencies. The stakeholders unanimously agreed that they would lend their support through promotion and participation to help increase the REACH grant-funded Community Health Advocate network across the county.