Team Profile Summary
The Prince George’s County team consists of a broad section of participants from public health, education, health advocacy non-profits, local elected officials, land use planners, and residents committed to advancing health through systematically advocating for sound policy and activities that address the systems determinants of health. The team’s focus is addressing food equity though establishing a Food Policy Council and working with the County’s recreation department to design and implement after school healthy eating and active living programs reaching county elementary schools.
Promoting this throughout the county will begin by creating a model in the Port Towns of Bladensburg, Colmar Manor, Cottage City, and Edmonston. These incorporated areas have drafted a Community Action Plan with strategies that will provide insights on how to reduce chronic disease in Prince George’s County. The Community Action Plan was completed through the generous support of Kaiser Permanente, Consumer Health Foundation, United Way of the National Capital Area, and Meyer Foundation. It is intended that this approach will be replicated in other similar municipalities in the County.
Team Profile Details
Problem Statement
Prince George’s County is the most diverse in Maryland with 80% of the population belonging to minority groups. Despite its rich diversity, the 2010 census put 8% of households as living below the poverty line. The average poverty level for Prince George’s County however masks the deep inequalities that exist within the four Port Towns. Cottage city, for example, has more than 21% of its population living below the poverty line. Bladensburg has a poverty level of 12%, while Colmar Manor and Edmonston have poverty levels of 2% and 9% respectively. With the exception of Colmar Manor, the Port Towns communities are amongst the poorest in Prince George’s County and Maryland state.
Team Objectives
- Improve healthy food access and wellness for all through food policy and action.
- Create reliable public transit bike and pedestrian access to schools, recreational facilities and other Port Towns assests.
- Enhance community capacity to lead and support the Community Action Plan (CAP) and the Wellness Opportunity Zone.
