Boston PICH project has officially rebranded itself to Let’s Get Healthy, Boston! (LGHB). This name reflects the vision for our city, as well as a call to action. Since July, the 75 Healthy Community Champions (HCCs) participated in a 10-week training program with an over 75% completion rate. Of 12 grantees, 10 groups have continued to work with us. The teams develop and implement neighborhood-specific work plans with BACH and the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC). Below are updates on each of the LGHB initiatives!
Smoke-Free Housing
Goal: Increase the number of housing units in the city that are designated smoke-free, reaching up to 62,000 residents.
In collaboration with BPHC’s Division of Healthy Homes and Community Supports, LGHB gained ground on transforming the landscape of smoke-free housing in Boston. So far, three Community Development Corporations, two management companies and 15 landlords have transitioned 3,800 units with almost 10,000 residents, to smoke-free. Two of our HCC grantee community development corporations, Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation and Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation have also become smoke-free. Approximately 26 HCCs have been trained to engage landlords in their neighborhoods about the benefits of smoke-free housing and are involved in public-process discussions to support smoke-free housing throughout Boston.
Healthy Food & Beverage Promotion
Goal: Increase the number of people with better access to healthy food and beverages, reaching up to 600,000 residents.
Boston Bounty Bucks (BBB) is a nutrition incentive program that helps make healthy food more affordable by providing a dollar-for-dollar match of up to $10, each time a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) client shops at a participating farmers’ market. The program experienced rapid growth and needed a system upgrade to sustain its infrastructure. To do so, LGHB partnered with the Mayor’s Office of Food Initiatives (OFI) to launch a new digital system. LGHB’s BBB Digital Pilot purchased existing technology and trained market managers. We found that 81% of SNAP users prefer the new system. LGHB is also working with OFI on BBB sustainability and determining LGHB’s support role. At this point our plan is to digitize more markets next summer, and align with city/state plans for healthy food access.
Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSBs)
Goal: Decrease consumption of SSBs and increase water consumption.
LGHB is reaching out to local pharmacies to join in efforts to promote healthier beverages. As of the end of 2015, BPHC continues to communicate with Walgreens and CVS corporate offices to identify strategies for promoting healthy beverages in Boston-based stores. HCCs have visited 80% of their neighborhood pharmacies to assess the retail space and educate the store managers. Two pharmacies have taken the first step of participating in the collection of baseline data. This will help set priorities for proposing healthy changes in signage and merchandising.
Access to Physical Activity Opportunities through Active Transportation (Walking and Biking)
Goal: Increase the number of people with opportunities to walk or bike safely as part of their commute (including to school); reaching up to 185,000 residents.
When we started our work in May, a person/family of low wealth could only sign up for a subsidized Hubway membership through City Hall. As of December, six Hubway Satellite Sites are in advanced planning stages. Because of the efforts of the HCCs, in partnership with Boston Bikes, many more families will have access to Hubway memberships. For more information about subsidized Hubway membership, visit Boston Bike’s website.