Washtenaw Optimal Wellness (WOW) Overview
WOW is a Michigan Domestic Non-profit Corporation and 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity. We are a health education and community organizing organization with the primary goal of improving the health and longevity of Washtenaw County citizens by increasing health literacy and health knowledge, as well as providing evidence-based health education.
WOW Mission Statement:
We are a health education and community organizing organization with the primary goal of improving the health and longevity of Washtenaw County Citizens by increasing health literacy.
WOW Goals:
Our primary goal is to increase health literacy and health knowledge in the Washtenaw County population through education and workshops, especially in populations where the needs are highest. In addition to increasing health literacy, we organize and empower the community through neighborhood health coalitions to provide local support to help each other live longer, better lives. Our secondary goal is to bring a Blue Zones® Project to Washtenaw County.
WOW Priorities:
As an educational organization, our priorities are to educate Washtenaw County Citizens concerning Lifestyle Medicine principles to improve health outcomes, which include: physical activity, plant-based nutrition, restorative sleep, stress management, social connection, and avoidance of risky substances. These principles closely align with Blue Zones® Power 9® principles which include: move naturally (moderate exercise), purpose (have a strong sense of purpose), downshift (stress reduction), 80% rule (stop eating when you are 80% full) plant slant (eat a primarily plant-based diet), belong (to a faith-based or community-based organization), family first (keep your family close), wine/friends at 5 (meet with friends after work for a social hour), and right tribe (strong friendships and social connections).
In addition to educating about Lifestyle Medicine and Blue Zones® principles, WOW aligns its priorities with the Washtenaw County Health Department and our local non-profit hospitals’ priority areas, which include: mental health, health care, and social service access and navigation, access to healthy foods, and affordable housing. In addition to the top community priorities, WOW works to tackle obesity and healthy aging and advocates for policies and environmental changes to make citizens healthier and make healthier choices easier.
Local issues & Community Health Assessment (CHA):
WOW is excited to bring a Blue Zones Project to Washtenaw County. However, we recognize that some areas of our community are doing many things well, while other areas struggle with basic needs, and optimal health and longevity are not a priority for everyone. Our goals place the priority population first to help meet their needs and have them take ownership of the project. The secondary goal is to have a larger, county-wide implementation after the priority population needs are met.
The Washtenaw County Health Department’s Community Health Assessment shows the greatest needs in the areas of mental health (stress, anxiety, depression, isolation), substance use (opioid crisis, harm reduction, stigma in seeking help), and older adult health (mental health, poverty, isolation, Alzheimer’s, access to care and healthy food). See the CHA survey results, presentation slides, and methodology.
Our local non-profit hospitals (Michigan Medicine and Trinity Health) also conduct community health needs assessments (CHNA) and have identified 3 priority areas: mental health, access to services, and affordable housing.
Most of the pressing needs are in Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township, along with more rural areas.
WOW Methodology:
WOW is confident that by instilling evidence-based Blue Zones and Lifestyle Medicine principles like Purpose, Downshift, Belong, and Right Tribe via encouraging social connection, conducting purpose workshops, and teaching stress reduction methods, we can help meet community health needs. Educating citizens concerning the benefits of strong social connections, stress reduction, healthy eating, and regular exercise can play an important role in overall health, especially mental health. Our primary goal is to increase health literacy and health knowledge in the communities we serve.
Our vision for education and community organization starts with neighborhood health coalitions to create a culture of health. Our main priority is working with local leaders where they work, live, and play to organize coalitions to make healthier choices easier. We believe this can be done with a small army of community health workers (CHWs) who organize educational classes and purpose workshops, and ensure that neighborhoods have access to the resources they need.
Beyond neighborhood coalitions, an important part of our work is working closely with community partners to create a culture of health. The Washtenaw Health Initiative, our local non-profit community hospitals, Hope Clinic, A2Zero, Parkridge Community Center, Growing Hope, and the Huron-Waterloo Pathways Initiative are all working with us to make our community healthier. Together with community partners, WOW’s goal is to create an environment where people live longer and better lives, benefit from lower healthcare costs and improved productivity, and enjoy national recognition as a great place to live, work, and play.