The Road to Better Community Health

Schuyler Hospital's Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Schuyler initiative offers various opportunities for Schuyler County's residents to eat and feel better. With the help of multiple community organizations, HEAL Schuyler introduced more than 15 programs to promote healthy eating and physical activity. Some of the programs are:

• Biggest Loser: a hospital wellness program
• Schuyler Steps Out: a free community walking program to encourage residents to be more active
• Active Living Every Day: an educational program that trains health care providers to cautiously talk to their patients about weight issues

Over the past five years, these programs have changed the lives of both adults and children in the county. Reportedly, obesity decreased by 27 percent in adults, 10 percent in elementary school students and 11 percent in middle and high school students.

This case study is part of the HANYS Triple Aim series highlighting how New York hospitals are improving health, enhancing quality and reducing costs. Hospitals, nursing homes and home care agencies across New York State are pursuing the Triple Aim. In spite of fiscal constraints, HANYS members are embracing the challenge of transforming health care and are implementing new and innovative approaches to delivery.