FFLAG's HISTORY
Fitness For Life Around Grant County, also known as FFLAG, began with concerned teachers from Williamstown Head Start, who noticed the rising trend of obesity among their students.
In 2002, concerned school employees, health care professionals and representatives from social organizations joined forces with Williamstown Head Start to raise awareness of physical activity and proper nutrition. The initial group eventually became FFLAG.
In 2004, the Grant County Local Board of Health and the Northern Kentucky Health Department identified the major health problems in Grant County to be obesity, tobacco use and depression.
FFLAG determined that the best way to address these issues was to raise awareness throughout the county, to provide opportunities for citizens to participate in activities that would improve their health, and to address issues related to new development to ensure that new roads, schools and neighborhoods are built with pedestrians and cyclists in mind.
Over several years and with funding from the Grant County Local Board of Health, FFLAG has implemented physical activity campaigns such as Get Up, Get Out, Get Fit; the Biggest Winner Challenge; and the Walktober campaign.
The committee also started an annual Derby Dash 5K run/walk in Williamstown, which is now in its seventh year. Funding partners include the Northern Kentucky Health Department, Grant County Cooperative Extension Service, Grant County Schools, as well as local and national businesses.
FFLAG engaged more than 2,600 people each year and will continue to provide events and campaigns to educate and create awareness about the importance of physical activity and proper nutrition in Grant County.
FFLAG always needs new members, contact Patty Poor for more information on how to become a member!
