Changing the Narrative
A Healthy Future for West Virginia
PAIGE KOCOUREK
Photo by Molly Wolf Photography .
It is no secret West Virginia consistently finds itself listed as one of the least healthy states . In a world where Band-Aids cover up deeply rooted health issues instead of looking to the source for healing , true wellness can be difficult to achieve . However , this story can be rewritten , and many organizations throughout the state have dedicated themselves to improving the health and well-being of West Virginia ’ s people . Their commitment to targeting the fundamental health of West Virginians is slowly changing the tide toward a healthier state .
Many variables play into the overall health and well-being of an individual , and one of those is physical activity . Being active is essential to maintaining a healthy body .
Active Southern West Virginia ( Active SWV ) is one nonprofit in the Mountain State that is well aware of the power of physical activity .
“ Active SWV provides an ecosystem of physical activity for the residents of Southern West Virginia by offering programs led by trained volunteers from within the communities it serves ,” says
Michael Fisher , workplace wellness director at Active SWV .
Originating in 2015 as a strategic plan to improve the health of the workforce , Active SWV has expanded to inspire all individuals to overcome barriers to living their healthiest and most active lifestyle .
“ All of our programming is free , from the trainings we provide to the resources we offer to each community . By using community volunteers , Active SWV can provide these free resources to schools , businesses and communities across the state with our programs designed to reach people where they are and empower each community to access the outdoor resources they have in their area ,” Fisher says . “ By creating a free path to access these outdoor experiences , Active SWV helps create community , increases positive health outcomes and provides customized well-being options for each population it works with .”
A healthier state is not only good for the people , but it is also crucial for West Virginia ’ s economy .
“ West Virginia regularly leads the country in negative health outcomes ranging from obesity , diabetes , sedentary lifestyles and poor quality of life . This not only takes a toll on communities but also impacts economic development in the state ,” says Fisher . “ Healthy people fill jobs and make organizations thrive while helping grow the community around them . For West Virginia businesses to thrive , they need healthy workers and communities to draw workers from . Healthy workers also help to bring out-of-state businesses to the region . If organizations see that our communities have a healthy workforce , they are more likely to bring their businesses to the Mountain State .”
While Active SWV has taken physical activity into its own hands by creating programming and getting out into the community to implement them , the Center for ActiveWV covers a different aspect of the mission to increase physical activity in the state .
“ We provide an effective statewide physical activity framework that will promote sector input and collaboration , facilitate physical activity research among multidisciplinary teams and
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