TOPEKA – The Kansas Dept. of Health and Environment has presented a Health Champion Award to the city of Ottawa. The city won an honorable mention for efforts to improve the health of employees and citizens. The city and its partners including the Ottawa Recreation Commission, Franklin County Health Department and the Ottawa Play Taskforce, have taken a number of steps to encourage tobacco-free living, provide access to infrastructure that supports physical activity, and adopted policies and programs that encourage physical activity and healthy eating. In 2008, the city implemented a wellness program for employees. In 2009, the city was designated as a Play City community and created the Play Taskforce dedicated to improving the health of children and families through healthy play. The city has also partnered with the county to work on programs and priorities identified in the Community Health Assessment.
Tuesday, Nov. 24, 11 a.m.
