Today's public health heroes are a little different than what you might think. Many of them are not white-collar, Caucasian men in positions of power (although I'm not putting that group down). They're different. In fact, I met with two young, intelligent and committed young women in the first week of my job. Each meeting left me with so much hope for our future. These leaders are out there inspiring big change. The lesson here; do what you love and make a difference right where you are - right now.
What are they doing? Well, I'm glad you asked.
#1) YMCA Program Director of Teens and Corporate Membership Tera Henrich is an expert in collaborating with and mentoring teens. On top of her full-time job with the Y, she volunteered her time to help Alegent Health with the Youth Advisory Council (YAC). This is a group of high-achieving, high school students who want to promote Live Well Omaha Kids. Recently, she led a group of 15 of the YAC teens to develop this Mission statement for their work ahead:
"...we are committed to promoting advocacy of a healthy lifestyle in the areas of nutrition, physical activity and positive perception of health in the youth of Omaha. We aim to be a legacy of role models who promote a standard of healthy lifestyles for generations to come." (pretty awesome, huh)
I have the honor of working with Tera and learning her strategies to effectively facilitate this cool group. Also, we will help the YAC identify and tackle a project related to their Mission.
#2) Jodi Fritz is the brains and heart behind the evolving Tomato Tomäto. It's a family business that offers year round farmers markets and weekly food bags for subscribers. For Jodi and her in laws this is a labor of love. After chatted with folks at the farmer's markets and forming relationships with Nebraska and Iowa farmers, she became outraged. Why can't people get fruits and vegetables? Why are people going hungry with all this food right here in NE and IA?
Now, she's taking action by expanding her business model for "Community Supported Agriculture" to low-income families. First, what is a CSA? It's the idea that a community pays some money to support a farmer's crop. Then, when the crops are harvested everyone gets a share. In Tomato Tomäto's case, they partner with 52 local farmers to bring crops, cheese, bread and milk to consumers. Consumers can join the CSA for $20 per week. Last year 100 customers participated and 80 are coming back this year. Also this year, Tomato Tomäto would like to make 1/3 of their bags for low-income families. Jodi is only charging $10 per week and they accept SNAP cards. Alegent Health is looking at helping sponsor the cloth bags and we are trying to add more drop-off points to help reach more families.
These were only a couple of my first meetings in this role. This is the coolest job ever!
This Wednesday, April 13, I will be at the Action for Healthy Kids Summit in Lincoln. I'm looking forward to meeting policy, nutrition, exercise science and other experts who are fighting childhood obesity.
I am so thankful to be able to serve these causes and see that heroes like Jodi and Tera are making a difference today, right here in their own communities.
Anyone have an inspirational person to highlight? Post it in the comments below.
Thanks for reading,
Sarah
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