Blue Project DE is working to establish “Blue Zones” in the state where communities could implement healthier lifestyle choices
In an effort to promote community wellness, Blue Project DE presented information about their program to Milford City Council. Kim Blanch, BSN, RN, a co-founder and Director of Community Outreach at Beebe Healthcare, began by providing statistics on the health crisis in Delaware.
“I’ve been in the population health department now for 10 years and, in my role, have the responsibility of conducting health needs assessment, a triennial assessment followed by a community health implementation or improvement plan,” Blanch said. “And as much great work is being done out there by numerous agencies and organizations, it is really difficult to move the needle on the health of a population.”
According to data provided, 72.7 percent of Sussex County adults and 33.2 percent of children are overweight or obese. In addition, 24.6 percent of adults have diabetes, 36.2 percent have high blood pressure and 7.1 percent have cardiovascular disease. Mental health is also in crisis in the first state. Statistics show 149,000 adults have a mental health condition with 32.8 percent reporting symptoms of anxiety or depression. When it comes to children, 9,000 between the ages of 12 and 17 have depression.