Now's the time to start limbering up for the annual Moving Starke County Forward Challenge.
Share your progress; we want to hear your story. Sign up and log your miles at www.surveymonkey.com/r/MSCFSteps or email movingscforward@gmail.com
Showing posts with label Moving Starke County Forward. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Moving Starke County Forward. Show all posts
Thursday, May 9, 2019
Tuesday, May 7, 2019
Local Organization Encourages More Physical Activity in May
Posted on May 7, 2019
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Moving Starke County Forward Organization encourages residents to be more active in the month of May.
Organization officials challenge adults to participate in at least 2.5 hours of moderate aerobic activity each week to help reduce high blood pressure, heart disease, and some types of cancer. They suggest brisk walks, dancing, swimming or biking. Muscle-strengthening activities are also recommended.
To help achieve this goal, join the summer walking challenge: “100 miles in 100 days”. Beginning Memorial Day weekend, log your steps every day to keep track of your progress. Share your successes with representatives of the Moving Starke County Forward group and encourage others to get healthy!
Sign-up sheets and recording documents are available at all branches of the Starke County Public Library system or you can email movingscforward@gmail.com. More information can be found on the organization’s Facebook page.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Moving Starke County Forward Organization encourages residents to be more active in the month of May.
Organization officials challenge adults to participate in at least 2.5 hours of moderate aerobic activity each week to help reduce high blood pressure, heart disease, and some types of cancer. They suggest brisk walks, dancing, swimming or biking. Muscle-strengthening activities are also recommended.
To help achieve this goal, join the summer walking challenge: “100 miles in 100 days”. Beginning Memorial Day weekend, log your steps every day to keep track of your progress. Share your successes with representatives of the Moving Starke County Forward group and encourage others to get healthy!
Sign-up sheets and recording documents are available at all branches of the Starke County Public Library system or you can email movingscforward@gmail.com. More information can be found on the organization’s Facebook page.
Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Moving Starke County Forward Recognizes Progress of Walking Challenge Participants with Drawing for Prize
Posted on August 28, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
To recognize all the progress that participants have made in the Moving Starke County Forward “Moon Walkers” initiative so far this year, a drawing for a Fitbit was recently held.
North Judson resident Peggy Bohac was randomly selected and MSCF representatives were pleased to award her with the prize. Another prize will be presented at the end of October when the campaign wraps up for the year.
This is the 6th year that Moving Starke County Forward has hosted a ‘Get Moving Challenge’ to encourage community members to be active by walking, running, biking or engaging in any physical activity of their choice.
Moving Starke County Forward The group is an ongoing coalition of leaders whose purpose is to improve the quality of life and encourage, create and advocate for a healthy Starke County.
It was formed in 2012 after the county ranked 91st out of 92 counties in Indiana health outcomes rankings. Since its implementation, the county has moved up more than 10 spots to 79th.
The “Moon Walkers” campaign began on July 1st and will run until October 31st. Click the following link to register for the challenge or if you’re already signed up, you can log your miles here.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
To recognize all the progress that participants have made in the Moving Starke County Forward “Moon Walkers” initiative so far this year, a drawing for a Fitbit was recently held.
North Judson resident Peggy Bohac was randomly selected and MSCF representatives were pleased to award her with the prize. Another prize will be presented at the end of October when the campaign wraps up for the year.
This is the 6th year that Moving Starke County Forward has hosted a ‘Get Moving Challenge’ to encourage community members to be active by walking, running, biking or engaging in any physical activity of their choice.
Moving Starke County Forward The group is an ongoing coalition of leaders whose purpose is to improve the quality of life and encourage, create and advocate for a healthy Starke County.
It was formed in 2012 after the county ranked 91st out of 92 counties in Indiana health outcomes rankings. Since its implementation, the county has moved up more than 10 spots to 79th.
The “Moon Walkers” campaign began on July 1st and will run until October 31st. Click the following link to register for the challenge or if you’re already signed up, you can log your miles here.
MSCF Secretary Joan Haugh Beatty presents winner Peggy Bohac with a Fitbit
Thursday, July 5, 2018
Moving Starke County Forward Walking Challenge Underway
Posted on July 5, 2018
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The 6th annual Moving Starke County Forward Walking Challenge began July 1 and continues through Oct. 31.
The goal of this year’s campaign, Starke County Moon Walkers, is to improve the health of residents in the Starke County community. Participants are encouraged to walk, run, bike or actively participate in any physical activity of their choice – just log your miles for a chance to win prizes. Those under the age of 18 will win a pair of shoes if they sign up before July 15. Adult participants will be entered into a single random drawing for a Fitbit at the end of the campaign on Halloween.
Sign up anytime online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RegMoon.
Participants are encouraged to participate in the Knox Mayor’s Fest on Saturday, July 7 at Wythogan Park. A family walk is sponsored by the Starke County Youth Club at 3 p.m. Moving Starke County Forward will also invite residents to be part of their entry in the parade on Saturday, July 7 with registration at 12:30 p.m. at the Knox High School parking lot.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The 6th annual Moving Starke County Forward Walking Challenge began July 1 and continues through Oct. 31.
The goal of this year’s campaign, Starke County Moon Walkers, is to improve the health of residents in the Starke County community. Participants are encouraged to walk, run, bike or actively participate in any physical activity of their choice – just log your miles for a chance to win prizes. Those under the age of 18 will win a pair of shoes if they sign up before July 15. Adult participants will be entered into a single random drawing for a Fitbit at the end of the campaign on Halloween.
Sign up anytime online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RegMoon.
Participants are encouraged to participate in the Knox Mayor’s Fest on Saturday, July 7 at Wythogan Park. A family walk is sponsored by the Starke County Youth Club at 3 p.m. Moving Starke County Forward will also invite residents to be part of their entry in the parade on Saturday, July 7 with registration at 12:30 p.m. at the Knox High School parking lot.
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
Monday, September 25, 2017
Starke County Concludes Summer Walking Challenge
Posted on September 23, 2017
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Get Moving Starke County walking challenge concluded its fifth season on Monday, Sept. 4.
This year’s campaign, Starke County Walks to the National Parks in America, gathered more than 25,000 miles which surpassed the 16,000 mile goal.
Donna Osborne walked the most miles in the individual category with 2,060 while Mike McGregor logged 1,990 miles and Amy Stacy with 970 miles.
The Prairie Trail team finished first with 13,065 miles. The Holy Walkamolies followed with 2,297 miles and the Toto Treckers came in third with 1,574 miles.
Moving Starke County Forward focuses on improving the quality of life and encourages a healthy Starke County. After ranking 91st out of 92 counties in the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation health rankings in 2012, the county has since improved to 86th in the state. The organization will continue efforts to climb the ladder of health.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Get Moving Starke County walking challenge concluded its fifth season on Monday, Sept. 4.
This year’s campaign, Starke County Walks to the National Parks in America, gathered more than 25,000 miles which surpassed the 16,000 mile goal.
Donna Osborne walked the most miles in the individual category with 2,060 while Mike McGregor logged 1,990 miles and Amy Stacy with 970 miles.
The Prairie Trail team finished first with 13,065 miles. The Holy Walkamolies followed with 2,297 miles and the Toto Treckers came in third with 1,574 miles.
Moving Starke County Forward focuses on improving the quality of life and encourages a healthy Starke County. After ranking 91st out of 92 counties in the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation health rankings in 2012, the county has since improved to 86th in the state. The organization will continue efforts to climb the ladder of health.
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
Moving Starke County Forward Overdose Awareness Event
Posted on August 30, 2017
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
This past Sunday, Moving Starke County Forward hosted an event for Overdose Awareness at Wythogan Park. The event honored the community’s first responders as well as featured moving testimony from a former addict who is now working to raise awareness and promote recovery.
The event coordinator was Jordan Morris, a member of the Moving Starke County Forward Leadership Team. Morris said they wanted to include a ceremony honoring first responders because of the incredible service they provide to the community.
“Honoring first responders seemed to be something that happens less frequently than it probably should,” Morris said, “So we sent invitations to all of the departments that have individuals serving as first responders.”
Fifteen awards were presented to several different departments including the Starke County Sheriff’s Office, dispatch, EMS and local fire departments to thank them for their sacrifices and commitment to the community.
Following the award ceremony, Tiffany Witham shared her recovery story with the crowd of about 50 community members who were gathered for the event. Witham’s former probation officer approached Morris about including Tiffany as the speaker since she was three years clean this past July. Witham struggled with addiction for 6 years before recovering. It was a long, tedious process but she uses her past experiences to help raise awareness and provide recovery encouragement to addicts.
Witham said, “I understand people fear or hate what they don’t understand and there’s a lot of people that do not understand addiction. They hate addicts, they write these horrible things about them…and they need help and it’s a hard habit to break. I just want people to understand that there is hope.”
Tiffany’s full speech can be found on the Moving Starke County Forward Facebook page.
The event concluded with a candlelight vigil where individuals lit a white candle in memory of lost loved ones. International Overdose Awareness Day is Thursday August 31. Community members are encouraged to wear silver or gray on this day to show support for addiction recovery and overdose awareness.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
This past Sunday, Moving Starke County Forward hosted an event for Overdose Awareness at Wythogan Park. The event honored the community’s first responders as well as featured moving testimony from a former addict who is now working to raise awareness and promote recovery.
The event coordinator was Jordan Morris, a member of the Moving Starke County Forward Leadership Team. Morris said they wanted to include a ceremony honoring first responders because of the incredible service they provide to the community.
“Honoring first responders seemed to be something that happens less frequently than it probably should,” Morris said, “So we sent invitations to all of the departments that have individuals serving as first responders.”
Fifteen awards were presented to several different departments including the Starke County Sheriff’s Office, dispatch, EMS and local fire departments to thank them for their sacrifices and commitment to the community.
Following the award ceremony, Tiffany Witham shared her recovery story with the crowd of about 50 community members who were gathered for the event. Witham’s former probation officer approached Morris about including Tiffany as the speaker since she was three years clean this past July. Witham struggled with addiction for 6 years before recovering. It was a long, tedious process but she uses her past experiences to help raise awareness and provide recovery encouragement to addicts.
Witham said, “I understand people fear or hate what they don’t understand and there’s a lot of people that do not understand addiction. They hate addicts, they write these horrible things about them…and they need help and it’s a hard habit to break. I just want people to understand that there is hope.”
Tiffany’s full speech can be found on the Moving Starke County Forward Facebook page.
The event concluded with a candlelight vigil where individuals lit a white candle in memory of lost loved ones. International Overdose Awareness Day is Thursday August 31. Community members are encouraged to wear silver or gray on this day to show support for addiction recovery and overdose awareness.
Wednesday, August 16, 2017
Thursday, August 3, 2017
More Than 6,500 Miles Logged in Moving Starke County Forward Challenge
Posted on August 2, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Starke County residents are making progress in this summer’s Get Moving Challenge. More than 6,500 miles have been logged by 61 participants, according to Moving Starke County Forward.
Leading the team category with over 1,400 miles are The Holy Walkamolies, followed by the Prairie Pedalers and the Toto Treckers. Donna Osborne has the most individual miles with over 1,000. Amy Stacy is in second place with 444 miles, followed by James Skibbe and Venita Cunningham with around 370.
This year’s challenge, Starke County Walks to the National Parks in America, continues through early September. Organizers say there’s still plenty of time to take part.
For more information, visit Moving Starke County Forward’s Facebook page.
Moving Starke County Forward was formed in 2012 to improve the health of local residents. The county has consistently ranked near the bottom in state health rankings.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Starke County residents are making progress in this summer’s Get Moving Challenge. More than 6,500 miles have been logged by 61 participants, according to Moving Starke County Forward.
Leading the team category with over 1,400 miles are The Holy Walkamolies, followed by the Prairie Pedalers and the Toto Treckers. Donna Osborne has the most individual miles with over 1,000. Amy Stacy is in second place with 444 miles, followed by James Skibbe and Venita Cunningham with around 370.
This year’s challenge, Starke County Walks to the National Parks in America, continues through early September. Organizers say there’s still plenty of time to take part.
For more information, visit Moving Starke County Forward’s Facebook page.
Moving Starke County Forward was formed in 2012 to improve the health of local residents. The county has consistently ranked near the bottom in state health rankings.
Monday, May 22, 2017
5/29 to 9/4/2017 Moving Starke County Forward Healthy Challenge
It's that time of the year again!
This year for the Moving Starke County Forward Healthy Challenge Series we will be walking to EVERY National Park in America! Help us travel to America's National Parks!
Sign up at www.surveymonkey.com/r/ztrykhs
This year for the Moving Starke County Forward Healthy Challenge Series we will be walking to EVERY National Park in America! Help us travel to America's National Parks!
Sign up at www.surveymonkey.com/r/ztrykhs
Friday, March 31, 2017
Families Invited to Starke County Preschool Fair
Posted on March 31, 2017
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
Parents and guardians of preschool age Starke County children can learn about education options during the 4th Annual Starke County Preschool Fair.
The free event will take place Tuesday, April 18 from 4:30 until 6 p.m. at the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center in downtown Knox.
Free snacks and activities will be offered for young children, including face painting, ambulance tours and take-home prizes. The Starke County Community Foundation will also be sharing information about preschool scholarships for local youngsters.
Representatives of local preschools, healthcare providers, agencies and other organizations that offer programs to families with young children will also be on hand to share valuable information.
Starke County Early Childhood Education Advisory Council Co-Chair Margaret Dalphond says it’s a great way for parents and grandparents to learn why preschool is important and figure out which one is the best fit for their child.
Preschool helps children to grow and strengthen their abilities physically, emotionally, socially and developmentally. The Preschool Fair coincides with the month of the young child, during which communities and individuals recognize the needs of youngsters and their families.
Preschool is a great way for children to grow and strengthen their abilities physically, emotionally, socially, and developmentally. This event coincides with the month of the young child. Since 1985, April has been celebrated nationally as Month of the Young Child. During this month, communities and individuals recognize the needs and rights of young children and their families. Each week of April celebrates a specific area of focus surrounding the development of the young child.
The Starke County Early Childhood Education Advisory Council is hosting the event, which is sponsored by the Starke County Community Foundation and Moving Starke County Forward.
For more information, contact Sarah Origer at starke@nicf.org or by calling 574-772-3665.
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
Parents and guardians of preschool age Starke County children can learn about education options during the 4th Annual Starke County Preschool Fair.
The free event will take place Tuesday, April 18 from 4:30 until 6 p.m. at the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center in downtown Knox.
Free snacks and activities will be offered for young children, including face painting, ambulance tours and take-home prizes. The Starke County Community Foundation will also be sharing information about preschool scholarships for local youngsters.
Representatives of local preschools, healthcare providers, agencies and other organizations that offer programs to families with young children will also be on hand to share valuable information.
Starke County Early Childhood Education Advisory Council Co-Chair Margaret Dalphond says it’s a great way for parents and grandparents to learn why preschool is important and figure out which one is the best fit for their child.
Preschool helps children to grow and strengthen their abilities physically, emotionally, socially and developmentally. The Preschool Fair coincides with the month of the young child, during which communities and individuals recognize the needs of youngsters and their families.
Preschool is a great way for children to grow and strengthen their abilities physically, emotionally, socially, and developmentally. This event coincides with the month of the young child. Since 1985, April has been celebrated nationally as Month of the Young Child. During this month, communities and individuals recognize the needs and rights of young children and their families. Each week of April celebrates a specific area of focus surrounding the development of the young child.
The Starke County Early Childhood Education Advisory Council is hosting the event, which is sponsored by the Starke County Community Foundation and Moving Starke County Forward.
For more information, contact Sarah Origer at starke@nicf.org or by calling 574-772-3665.
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Monday, August 29, 2016
Recovering Addicts, Advocates Speak Frankly During Candlelight Vigil
Posted on August 29, 2016
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
Moving Starke County Forward is working to reduce the stigma attached to drug abuse and deaths due to overdoses. The 56 ribbons that have lined the front lawn of Starke Hospital for the past few weeks represent local lives lost to drug overdoses over the past seven years. They were moved to Wythogan Park in Knox last night for the second annual candlelight vigil to remember lives lost and celebrate those who are in recovery.
Todd Willis with Porter-Starke Services says it’s important for addicts and their families to remember they are not alone, and there is hope. He adds addiction is not an illness of weakness.
“You’re loved one that passed wasn’t weak. You and your family members that are struggling with addiction, it’s not about being weak. We known now things that we didn’t know before in terms of brain signs, and how these kind of chemicals, once they get into your bloodstream, do changes on a physical level to your brain. It makes it very difficult to stop. And so we want to encourage you, in an event where we remember, encourage you that there’s hope,” Willis said.
Nicole Dixon also spoke. She is an addict in recovery who started using drugs as a young teenager to mask her feelings and moved on to heroin in her early 20s in what she described as a “crazy spiral of drug use.” Dixon was arrested at age 23 with her ex-husband and convicted of dealing heroin. She completed a rehabilitation program while in prison, has been sober for three years and two months and just completed her probation.
“Don’t give up on your son, your daughter, your brother, your sister…I know they’re killing you, but they’re killing themselves, too, and maybe one day they might change,” she said.
Mike Hookman has been in recovery for three years. He agrees you can’t turn your back on people.
“There’s a fine line between tough love and no love. Addicts can’t recover alone. They need a support system. They just need people there to talk to, and everyone recovers differently.”
Hookman says addicts will fall down in their struggle to overcome their addiction, but says it’s what you do when you mess up that matters most.
WKVI will air the entire program on Sunday, Sept. 4 at noon on Kankakee Valley Viewpoints.
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
Moving Starke County Forward is working to reduce the stigma attached to drug abuse and deaths due to overdoses. The 56 ribbons that have lined the front lawn of Starke Hospital for the past few weeks represent local lives lost to drug overdoses over the past seven years. They were moved to Wythogan Park in Knox last night for the second annual candlelight vigil to remember lives lost and celebrate those who are in recovery.
Todd Willis with Porter-Starke Services says it’s important for addicts and their families to remember they are not alone, and there is hope. He adds addiction is not an illness of weakness.
“You’re loved one that passed wasn’t weak. You and your family members that are struggling with addiction, it’s not about being weak. We known now things that we didn’t know before in terms of brain signs, and how these kind of chemicals, once they get into your bloodstream, do changes on a physical level to your brain. It makes it very difficult to stop. And so we want to encourage you, in an event where we remember, encourage you that there’s hope,” Willis said.
Nicole Dixon also spoke. She is an addict in recovery who started using drugs as a young teenager to mask her feelings and moved on to heroin in her early 20s in what she described as a “crazy spiral of drug use.” Dixon was arrested at age 23 with her ex-husband and convicted of dealing heroin. She completed a rehabilitation program while in prison, has been sober for three years and two months and just completed her probation.
“Don’t give up on your son, your daughter, your brother, your sister…I know they’re killing you, but they’re killing themselves, too, and maybe one day they might change,” she said.
Mike Hookman has been in recovery for three years. He agrees you can’t turn your back on people.
“There’s a fine line between tough love and no love. Addicts can’t recover alone. They need a support system. They just need people there to talk to, and everyone recovers differently.”
Hookman says addicts will fall down in their struggle to overcome their addiction, but says it’s what you do when you mess up that matters most.
WKVI will air the entire program on Sunday, Sept. 4 at noon on Kankakee Valley Viewpoints.
Friday, August 26, 2016
Moving Starke County Forward Schedules Overdose Awareness Vigil
Posted on August 26, 2016
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
Starke County is making strides in the war on drugs with regard to overdose deaths. Local health department officials say average of nine drug-related deaths were reported between 2008 and 2013, with numbers ranging between seven and 12 annually. Data from 2014 and 2015 indicates four overdoses, which is a significant drop.
Moving Starke County Forward is hosting its second annual Overdose Awareness Day vigil Sunday evening to raise awareness of the problem. It will take place at 6 p.m. at Wythogan Park’s Shelter 2.
Organizers say it will give the community an opportunity to remember those who have lost their lives as a result of an overdose The event will also celebrate those in recovery who are determined to triumph over addiction. Attendees are encouraged to bring a photo of anyone they would like to honor.
Moving Starke County Forward volunteers have already placed ribbons on the Starke Hospital lawn in memory of each local life lost to an overdose.
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
Starke County is making strides in the war on drugs with regard to overdose deaths. Local health department officials say average of nine drug-related deaths were reported between 2008 and 2013, with numbers ranging between seven and 12 annually. Data from 2014 and 2015 indicates four overdoses, which is a significant drop.
Moving Starke County Forward is hosting its second annual Overdose Awareness Day vigil Sunday evening to raise awareness of the problem. It will take place at 6 p.m. at Wythogan Park’s Shelter 2.
Organizers say it will give the community an opportunity to remember those who have lost their lives as a result of an overdose The event will also celebrate those in recovery who are determined to triumph over addiction. Attendees are encouraged to bring a photo of anyone they would like to honor.
Moving Starke County Forward volunteers have already placed ribbons on the Starke Hospital lawn in memory of each local life lost to an overdose.
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Starke County’s Get Moving Challenge Enters Final Phase
Posted on August 24, 2016
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Time’s running out for those taking part in Moving Starke County Forward’s summer walking challenge to log their miles.
“Starke County Walks to the Moon” wraps up on Labor Day. It gives residents the chance to win prizes by walking, running, biking, or taking part in another physical activity and keeping track of their progress.
So far, participants have accumulated over 9,250 miles, according to the organization. Arlene Noble has the most miles logged individually, while the Toto Trekkers continue to lead the team category. Organizers say that once the challenge ends and the miles are added up, the names of the winners will be placed on a plaque in the Starke Hospital lobby.
Moving Starke County Forward was formed in 2012 to improve the health of local residents. The county has consistently ranked near the bottom in state health rankings. For more information, visit Moving Starke County Forward’s Facebook page.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Time’s running out for those taking part in Moving Starke County Forward’s summer walking challenge to log their miles.
“Starke County Walks to the Moon” wraps up on Labor Day. It gives residents the chance to win prizes by walking, running, biking, or taking part in another physical activity and keeping track of their progress.
So far, participants have accumulated over 9,250 miles, according to the organization. Arlene Noble has the most miles logged individually, while the Toto Trekkers continue to lead the team category. Organizers say that once the challenge ends and the miles are added up, the names of the winners will be placed on a plaque in the Starke Hospital lobby.
Moving Starke County Forward was formed in 2012 to improve the health of local residents. The county has consistently ranked near the bottom in state health rankings. For more information, visit Moving Starke County Forward’s Facebook page.
Monday, August 22, 2016
Monday, August 1, 2016
Overdose Deaths See Big Reduction in Starke County
Posted on August 1, 2016
Author Tyler Maffitt, WKVI
Starke County is reporting some positive news in the battle against drug overdose.
According to data from the Starke County Health Department, an average of nine drug-related deaths were reported between 2008 and 2013 – ranging between seven and 12 deaths each year. Figures from 2014 and 2015 show four overdoses: a significant drop from previous reporting periods.
Jordan Morris serves on the board of Moving Starke County Forward – which aims to improve the health and quality of life of local residents. She says the goal is to get to a point where Starke County reports zero overdoses.
“Educating the public, educating the community on the dangers associated with the opiate pain medications, I think, is huge,” says Morris.
Each year, Moving Starke County Forward displays ribbons on the hospital lawn in Knox as part of its awareness campaign. That includes an event on August 28th – which will invite residents affected by overdose to share their experiences in Wythogan Park.
Legislation signed into law since 2014 has provided better infrastructure for those fighting substance abuse problems in Indiana, according to Morris. House Enrolled Act 1006 allocates funding for mental health and addiction treatment programs. INSPECT tracks opioid prescriptions through an online database. Further, Senate Enrolled Act 227 gives immunity to first responders using naloxone on possible drug overdose victims.
Morris says the product has even been used in Starke County.
“After its use, the individual is always taken to the hospital for follow-up care and that’s important,” says Morris. “Because it does have a time frame at which point the life of the opiate could be longer.”
Some of the overdoses reported in Starke County are considered accidental overdoses, according to Morris. Two overdose deaths have been counted in 2016.
Despite the recent changes, the annual County Health Rankings study conducted by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation listed Starke County 90th out of 92 Indiana counties in Health Outcomes and 87th in health factors this year. That’s still considered a modest improvement from the previous year.
Morris says drug use trends in Starke County, and a reduction in overdose statistics, could have an impact on the factors included in the study.
“Economic development is largely impacted by health statistics,” says Morris. “Crime rates: there have been studies that show the link between poor health and crime. I think it goes beyond what we even understand as far as the impact that improving the health statistics would have on our community.”
Non-fatal emergency department visits are also considered important to understand broader drug-use trends. Between 2010 and 2014, Starke County rank 18th out of the 90 Indiana counties that reported data in the state per 100,000 residents. Pulaski County ranked 5th for non-fatal ER visits.
International Overdose Awareness Day is recognized on August 31st.
Author Tyler Maffitt, WKVI
Starke County is reporting some positive news in the battle against drug overdose.
According to data from the Starke County Health Department, an average of nine drug-related deaths were reported between 2008 and 2013 – ranging between seven and 12 deaths each year. Figures from 2014 and 2015 show four overdoses: a significant drop from previous reporting periods.
Jordan Morris serves on the board of Moving Starke County Forward – which aims to improve the health and quality of life of local residents. She says the goal is to get to a point where Starke County reports zero overdoses.
“Educating the public, educating the community on the dangers associated with the opiate pain medications, I think, is huge,” says Morris.
Each year, Moving Starke County Forward displays ribbons on the hospital lawn in Knox as part of its awareness campaign. That includes an event on August 28th – which will invite residents affected by overdose to share their experiences in Wythogan Park.
Legislation signed into law since 2014 has provided better infrastructure for those fighting substance abuse problems in Indiana, according to Morris. House Enrolled Act 1006 allocates funding for mental health and addiction treatment programs. INSPECT tracks opioid prescriptions through an online database. Further, Senate Enrolled Act 227 gives immunity to first responders using naloxone on possible drug overdose victims.
Morris says the product has even been used in Starke County.
“After its use, the individual is always taken to the hospital for follow-up care and that’s important,” says Morris. “Because it does have a time frame at which point the life of the opiate could be longer.”
Some of the overdoses reported in Starke County are considered accidental overdoses, according to Morris. Two overdose deaths have been counted in 2016.
Despite the recent changes, the annual County Health Rankings study conducted by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation listed Starke County 90th out of 92 Indiana counties in Health Outcomes and 87th in health factors this year. That’s still considered a modest improvement from the previous year.
Morris says drug use trends in Starke County, and a reduction in overdose statistics, could have an impact on the factors included in the study.
“Economic development is largely impacted by health statistics,” says Morris. “Crime rates: there have been studies that show the link between poor health and crime. I think it goes beyond what we even understand as far as the impact that improving the health statistics would have on our community.”
Non-fatal emergency department visits are also considered important to understand broader drug-use trends. Between 2010 and 2014, Starke County rank 18th out of the 90 Indiana counties that reported data in the state per 100,000 residents. Pulaski County ranked 5th for non-fatal ER visits.
International Overdose Awareness Day is recognized on August 31st.
Monday, June 27, 2016
Moving Starke County Forward Treks Into Space
Posted on June 27, 2016
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The moon is the destination for this summer’s Moving Starke County Forward Get Moving Challenge. The fourth annual event encourages community members to get up and get moving by walking, biking or taking part in any physical activity of their choice.
This year’s theme is Starke County Walks to the Moon, with a goal of virtually reaching the lunar surface by late August. Participants are reminded to log their miles each week so they will count toward the collective total.
So far, the summer challenge has over 135 individual participants in addition to 15 different teams. The “Toto Trekkers” is currently in the lead with over 386 combined miles. As for individual standings, Jennifer Moore is leading the way to space with over 105 personal miles in less than one month. As a county, participants have already logged more than 1,214 miles.
Together, participants have exceeded the highest altitude ever reached by a paper plane (21.77 miles). They’ve also surpassed the point at which suborbital space begins (62 miles) and currently remain in low Earth orbit. They sped quickly past the International Space Station, which is an estimated 249 miles from Earth and zoomed on by the Hubble Space Telescope with an orbit height or 347 miles.
The group’s next destination will be the area in space where the Explorer 1 orbited at a height of 903 miles. They will be exiting low Earth orbit and entering medium Earth orbit at 1,243 miles, so promoters urge participants to check their oxygen!
Winners will be announced in late August, and prizes will be awarded to those with the highest number of miles or steps for the entire challenge. There’s still time to sign up.
Moving Starke County Forward is an ongoing coalition of leaders whose purpose is to improve the quality of life and encourage, create and advocate for a healthy Starke County. The group was formed in 2012 after Starke County ranked 91st out of 92 counties in Indiana health rankings; Starke County currently ranks 90th in health outcomes and 87th in health factors among Indiana’s 92 counties.
For more information about Moving Starke County Forward, contact movingscforward@gmail.com. To join the walking program, visit Moving Starke County Forward’s Facebook page for more information.
Author Mary Perren, WKVI
The moon is the destination for this summer’s Moving Starke County Forward Get Moving Challenge. The fourth annual event encourages community members to get up and get moving by walking, biking or taking part in any physical activity of their choice.
This year’s theme is Starke County Walks to the Moon, with a goal of virtually reaching the lunar surface by late August. Participants are reminded to log their miles each week so they will count toward the collective total.
So far, the summer challenge has over 135 individual participants in addition to 15 different teams. The “Toto Trekkers” is currently in the lead with over 386 combined miles. As for individual standings, Jennifer Moore is leading the way to space with over 105 personal miles in less than one month. As a county, participants have already logged more than 1,214 miles.
Together, participants have exceeded the highest altitude ever reached by a paper plane (21.77 miles). They’ve also surpassed the point at which suborbital space begins (62 miles) and currently remain in low Earth orbit. They sped quickly past the International Space Station, which is an estimated 249 miles from Earth and zoomed on by the Hubble Space Telescope with an orbit height or 347 miles.
The group’s next destination will be the area in space where the Explorer 1 orbited at a height of 903 miles. They will be exiting low Earth orbit and entering medium Earth orbit at 1,243 miles, so promoters urge participants to check their oxygen!
Winners will be announced in late August, and prizes will be awarded to those with the highest number of miles or steps for the entire challenge. There’s still time to sign up.
Moving Starke County Forward is an ongoing coalition of leaders whose purpose is to improve the quality of life and encourage, create and advocate for a healthy Starke County. The group was formed in 2012 after Starke County ranked 91st out of 92 counties in Indiana health rankings; Starke County currently ranks 90th in health outcomes and 87th in health factors among Indiana’s 92 counties.
For more information about Moving Starke County Forward, contact movingscforward@gmail.com. To join the walking program, visit Moving Starke County Forward’s Facebook page for more information.
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Moving Starke County Forward Reports Early Success with Summer Walking Challenge
Moving Starke County Forward says its summer walking challenge is off to a good start. So far, residents have logged over 1,500 miles as part of “Starke County Walks to the Moon.”
The organization says that puts participants in “medium Earth orbit.” The goal is to reach the equivalent of the distance to the moon by Labor Day. Those taking part in this year’s challenge are reminded to log their progress by filling out this form.
Moving Starke County Forward was formed in 2012 to improve the health of local residents. The county has consistently ranked near the bottom in state health rankings.
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
Moving Starke County Forward Announces Prize Drawing for Walking Challenge Participants
Moving Starke County Forward is providing an incentive to help Starke County residents get active and stay healthy. Those who sign up to take part in this year’s walking challenge, “Starke County Walks to the Moon,” by this Friday will be entered into a drawing to win a Fitbit Flex.
The device can be used to track the number of steps a person’s taken. It also keeps track of the user’s weekly progress and allows that information to be shared with friends online.
Participants must live or work in Starke County to be eligible to win. Anyone who has already signed up for the walking challenge is already entered to win. The winner will be notified in mid-June.
Moving Starke County Forward was formed in 2012 to improve the health of local residents. The county has consistently ranked near the bottom in state health rankings.
If you would still like to sign up for this year’s Get Moving Challenge, fill out this form.
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