This summer, Healthy Yancey (a program of Graham Children’s Health Services) launched a new program called The Sizzlin’ Summer Series,” with the goal of increasing community “connectedness” and physical activity by providing fun opportunities for folks to get active with their family and neighbors. This physical activity campaign was developed with the generous assistance of Joanne Rinker – Population Health Improvement Partners, with evaluation support from Rebecca Reeve – NC Center for Health & Wellness at UNCA.
Every week during the 12-week series had a different theme, 
with a kickoff on the Burnsville Town Square each Saturday morning during the Farmer’s Market. Themes included biking, water sports, dance, and much more. All events were free, and appropriate for all ages and abilities. We are pleased to report that the events drew over 1,050 participants over the course of the summer. In addition, our program was presented as a successful model for evidence-based public health intervention at the NC Public Health Association Conference. The chart to the right shows one of the data elements that was collected through a pre- and post-participation survey. As you can see, the series had a GREAT positive impact!
The series was coordinated by Healthy Yancey and co-sponsored by the Town of Burnsville, and Yancey County Government. Additional support was provided by the Toe River Health District, Smoky Mountain Center LME/MCO, Population Health Improvement Partners, Yancey County Schools, Yancey County DSS, AMY Regional Library, Mitchell Yancey Substance Abuse Task Force, Possibilities of Wellbeing, Blue Ridge Partnership for Children, Mayland Community College, Yancey Head Start, Community Care of WNC, ARP, American Cancer Society, NC Center for Health & Wellness – UNCA, Celo Health Center, Toe Valley Soccer Association, Yancey County Sheriff’s Department, RHA, Toe River Project Access, Bakersville Community Health Center, Mitchell Yancey Healthy Families, Burnsville Lions Club, Dig In! Yancey Community Garden, Reconciliation House, Yancey Schools and other invested community members. “This is a great example of a successful collaboration of many organizations for the benefit of the entire community,” says Schell McCall, Executive Director of Graham Children’s Health Services and coordinator for Healthy Yancey. “Healthy Yancey has advocated for increasing physical activity in the community for many years. It is exciting to see all of these organizations coming together to provide this for the community.”
