Danville, VA
- Get Fit Dan River and the Danville Regional Foundation hosted a public open house Thursday, August 19, from 4-6 p.m.. Guests, including elected officials, regional leaders and public citizens, gathered under a tent in the Lindsay Lofts’ parking lot. Get Fit Dan River was funded with a $541,880 grant from the Danville Regional Foundation (DRF).
“We are excited about the GET FIT initiative in the Dan River Region,” said Barbara Jackman, Executive Director of the Martinsville Henry County Coalition for Health and Wellness, the fiscal agent and model for Get Fit. “We are working to reduce obesity by assisting residents to make healthier lifestyle choices, to build an environment that supports healthy behaviors such as physical activity and healthy eating, and partnering with organizations throughout the community.”
Get Fit’s mission to promote active and healthy lifestyles, as well as reduce obesity in the Dan River Region.
Congressman Tom Perriello (Rep., District 5) also shared comments with the audience.
“Congress has been working to help get healthcare costs under control for families, but the biggest thing we can do to lower our healthcare costs is to improve our health,” he said. “We know that healthy kids are better students, and we know that healthy workers are more productive. I’m glad to welcome Get Fit Dan River to the community and I know they’re going to make a big difference in a lot of lives.”
Get Fit Dan River Region offers community programs that encourage and enable consistent physical activity, disseminates information to assist citizens in making healthier nutrition choices, and partners with local school systems, employers and other community agencies to reduce barriers to healthier activities at school, at work and during leisure time. Get Fit also creates opportunities for participants to practice new skills in convenient, fun settings.
“Making healthy choices in what we eat, how we exercise, and how we live are key elements in building a successful community,” shared Danville City Mayor Sherman Saunders. “The outcome of wellness will give our City and this region, the competitive edge in economic prosperity.”
“The Danville Regional Foundation sought model programs and model communities in the country after our Regional Report Card revealed that our obesity rate is seven percent higher than the state’s average,” explained Karl Stauber, CEO and President of DRF. “Our search led us to the Martinsville Henry County Coalition for Health and Wellness, after which we modeled Get Fit. The Danville Regional Foundation is dedicated to transforming the Dan River Region. Part of that includes healthy citizens. Already, Get Fit is beginning to gain local recognition through its newly formed partnerships within the region, and with the schools.”
Sue Davis, Superintendent of Danville City Schools, has agreed to involve 18 city schools in International Walk to School Day on October 6. Prizes will be given to children to reward their participation in a walking activity.
“The Danville Public Schools are committed to nurturing sound bodies and minds in our students to enable them to enjoy life-long wellness and learning,” she said.
Get Fit Dan River Region currently employs two staff members: Stephanie R. Ferrugia, Program Director, and Ciji Moore, Education and Outreach Coordinator. Get Fit also utilizes assistance from volunteers throughout the community.
GET FIT
Get Fit Dan River Region is committed to promoting active and healthy lifestyles and encouraging the reduction of health risk behaviors leading to excess weight which is adversely affecting our region’s residents. These program and advocacy efforts are intended to increase public awareness and improve environmental and educational policies designed to support healthy behaviors.
DRF
The Danville Regional Foundation (DRF) focuses on transforming the regional economy and creating a prosperous culture to benefit all Dan River citizens. It does this by making long-term investments to improve education, economic vitality, community wellness, financial stability and civic capacity for citizens throughout the City of Danville, Virginia; Pittsylvania County, Virginia; and Caswell County, North Carolina. Since its establishment in 2005, DRF has invested more than $40 million through over 40 grants.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Stephanie Ferrugia
Program Director
Get Fit Dan River
434-770-9139
stephanieferrugia@getfitdanriver.org
Christina Motley
Director of Marketing & Public Relations
Danville Regional Foundation
434-799-8969
cmotley@danvilleregionalfoundation.org
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