Engaging the Dan River Region to reduce obesity: application of the Comprehensive Participatory Planning and Evaluation process.

Despite ongoing recommendations to engage health-disparate populations in the initiation and execution of community-based research, few studies report on the process of community engagement. The action-oriented Comprehensive Participatory Planning and Evaluation (CPPE) process is designed to guide community health planning and evaluation. This article describes how the CPPE process was utilized within a community-based participatory research initiative aimed at addressing obesity in the health-disparate Dan River Region.

Transformation of a rural community for active living.

The current economic recession is challenging all communities to protect and promote the health and well-being of children and families. Rural communities are often more vulnerable than their more urban counterparts because of limited resources and services. Successful models are needed in rural communities that demonstrate the benefits of linking programs, services, and policies that promote active living to improve population health.