The Martha's Vineyard Times

Martha's Vineyard joins state program for a healthier life

By Tony Omer
February 22, 2012

Photo courtesy of MiM

State and local officials gathered in Barnstable on Febraury 17 to launch Mass In Motion. Left to Right: Department of Public Health commissioner John Auerbach, Director of the Bureau of Community Health and Prevention, Cheryl Bartlett, Produce Connection-Martha's Vineyard, Julie Sierputoski, Director of the Cape Cod Regional Tobacco Control Program, Bob Collett, Chilmark board of health agent Marina Lent, Mass in Motion Program Coordinator Peg Regan.

Martha's Vineyard joined 47 other Massachusetts municipalities this month as part of the Mass in Motion Municipal Wellness and Leadership Program (MiM), a state program to promote healthier life styles.

The MiM project, funded by a Community Transformation Grant awarded to MDPH by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, supports communities in their efforts to implement programs on obesity, healthy eating, tobacco-free living and active living opportunities, according to a press release. The programs will include the goals of implementing safe routes to schools, improving school nutrition, healthy markets, and smoke-free housing.

"Across Martha's Vineyard we will be working with elected officials, town departments, food pantries, and the community to ensure that all residents have access to the healthy food and physical activity needed to live long and active lives," said Island Partnership for Healthy Living Interim Coordinator, Marina Lent.

Elected officials, town departments, and community health centers are expected to work together in the coming months to engage the community in their efforts.

To participate or learn more, contact Marina Lent, Chilmark health agent, at 508-645-2105. For information about the tobacco-free living initiative, contact Bob Collett, Director, Cape Cod Regional Tobacco Control Program, at 508-375-6621.