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Our health is largely influenced by the choices we make for our families and ourselves, but community conditions are major factors affecting people’s ability to make healthy choices. Research shows that communities with safe places to play and exercise, good public transportation and housing, quality schools, access to high quality and affordable food, and readily available health care, have healthier residents. Economic, social and physical environments can have a greater impact on our health than in comparison to how often we go to the doctor’s office. In light of this knowledge, the City of Miami Gardens launched the Live Healthy Miami Gardens initiative (LHMG) in partnership with the Health Foundation of South Florida in February 2014.
LHMG’s ultimate goal is to improve living conditions in the City of Miami Gardens and make it a healthier place to live, learn, work and exercise. LHMG was built upon the understanding that no single organization can solve tough problems on its own and that community involvement is essential to reducing health disparities. This initiative develops and sustains effective community-level health strategies for the following Health Impact Areas:
Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs (ATOD)
Nutrition and Physical Activity
Mental Health
Primary Healthcare
Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs (ATOD)
Alcohol Policy – Our ATOD work focuses on addressing and reducing the environmental factors that make alcohol and other drugs easily accessible and associated health and neighborhood consequences in Miami Gardens.
Nutrition and Physical Activity
CHAMPS: Cities Combating Hunger is part of a national initiative to help cities reduce hunger and food insecurity across the country. Through the CHAMPS project, we are working to increase the number of children that access existing federal nutrition programs; raise awareness of and address hunger in a citywide Mayor Anti-Hunger Campaign that encourages the community to take action; and increase site and sponsor participation in federal meal programs.
Healthy Out of School Time (HOST) Project – Out-of-school time settings, such as academic, athletic, or multi-purpose programs and off-campus community learning centers or recreation centers, are great places to teach or reinforce healthy habits. Before the Corona virus forced schools to shut down, The HOST project was working to establish healthy nutrition standards in 30 Miami Gardens after-school sites to create system changes that create stimulating, healthy environments to help kids eat better and move more in ways that support their social, emotional, and academic development.
Healthy Restaurant Project – Following the completion of a feasibility study that assessed local restaurants on their interest and readiness to participate in a Healthy Restaurant Initiative, we are working with ten (10) Miami Gardens restaurants to integrate healthier menu items into their food offerings that meet Dietary Guidelines for Americans or other national nutrition standards. The participating restaurants are Pretty Healthy, Awash Ethiopian Restaurant, Crabs and Seafood, Sweet Hand Kathy’s Restaurant, Sheri Restaurant, Esther’s 27 LLC, The Patty Place, Sub City LLC, Stadium Diner and Fritanga El Chele.
Healthy Corner Stores Project works to support corner store owners committed to making healthy changes for their customers and their businesses. This project provides training, technical assistance and infrastructure change to increase healthy food inventory and provide consumer education in corner stores.
Mobile Farmer’s Market is increasing fresh produce consumption in Miami Gardens, with an emphasis on locally grown produce.
Safe Routes to School (SRTS) –– We have been working with Carol City Middle, Hibiscus Elementary, Rainbow Park Elementary, and North County K-8 Center to create safe environments around the schools and promote opportunities to walk or bike to school. The project includes developing an individual SRTS action plan and implementing a series of strategies that fall under the categories of Evaluation, Education, Engineering, Enforcement, and Encouragement. SRTS is a multidisciplinary approach aimed at increasing student physical activity through safe and active transport to and from school.
Mayor’s Fitness Challenge – LHMG works in collaboration with Mayor Oliver Gilbert to support the Mayor’s Fitness Challenge (MFC). The MFC is a 60-day fitness program geared toward increasing physical activity, promoting healthy eating and building awareness regarding health issues. Beyond the health benefits, the MFC provides opportunities for residents to discover their local environment, meet new people and promote unity.
Faith and Wellness Project – Building off of a readiness assessment completed with Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) in Miami Gardens, 12 FBOs will be recruited to participate in a Faith and Wellness project with the purpose of improving their health promotion efforts through the adoption of policy, system, environmental, and programmatic changes.
Mental Health
SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment) – Build capacity of five community agencies to implement SBIRT in a manner that is sustainable, feasible, and that ultimately leads to the improved health and wellness of the Miami Gardens community. The organizations are the Center for Child and Family Enrichment, the Concerned African Women, Youth Move, Fresh Start, and the Federation of Families and each serve vulnerable populations of various ages across the life spectrum. SBIRT is an evidence-based intervention used to identify and intervene early with individuals who use alcohol and substances in ways that increase their risk of physical health, mental health, or social problems. SBIRT can effectively identify and address at risk and problematic alcohol use.
Primary Healthcare
Breastfeeding Touch Point Program– Increase continuity of care and community support for breastfeeding and provide nursing moms with breastfeeding training, coaching, and support services.
Health Navigation– Increase referral and access to community-based health programs for Miami Gardens residents. The program also includes a communications campaign to inspire Miami Gardens residents to take themselves and a loved one to the doctor for yearly wellness visits.
Diabetes Prevention and Management – LHMG is currently conducting a community assessment to develop a better understanding of how diabetes is impacting Miami Gardens residents and identify access to care issues. We hope that the results of the assessment will provide an important glimpse into the lives of residents living with diabetes and will guide the strategic direction of diabetes prevention, education, and healthcare initiatives in the City.
LHMG is funded by the Health Foundation of South Florida, the National League of Cities (NLC) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
