Overview
Crewe is Virginia’s first HEAL Community. But what does that mean? Evidence suggests that a healthier community is a more desirable place to visit, own a business, and raise a family. By becoming the first HEAL town in Virginia, Crewe will be a leader in developing innovative ideas and common sense solutions for providing healthy choices in Southern Virginia.
In January 2013, Crewe Town Council established the HEAL Taskforce, composed of community leaders & representatives of local, health-focused businesses and organizations. The Taskforce is charged with determining the healthy eating and active living needs of the community and developing an action plan for providing Crewe with healthy options.
Mission Statement
To identify obstacles to providing healthy eating and active living opportunities to residents and visitors, and proposing improvements for long-term healthy lifestyles.
Vision
The vision of the HEAL Taskforce is to create a healthier community that is more desirable to visit, own or operate a business, and raise a family.
HEAL Goals:
1. Strengthen communication between community organizations, Town officials, and citizens
2. Engage citizens in taking advantage of current and establishing new opportunities
3. Work with local businesses and organizations to increase opportunity for healthy eating
4. Work with Town officials, local businesses, and community organizations to increase opportunity for active living
5. Seek partnerships with local businesses, state agencies, and other key stakeholders to provide healthy eating and active living opportunities to our growing local workforce.
Our Partners
HEAL Crewe truly is a community effort. Our partners come from within the town and extend to the county and Southside region, and include:
Town of Crewe
Crewe Police Department
Crewe-Burkeville Chamber of Commerce
Local businesses
Major employers
Virginia Cooperative Extension
Crewe Library
Piedmont Health Coalition
Crewe-Burkeville Youth Recreation Association
Get Involved!
In order to be successful, we need input and ideas from the community. Visit us online, attend a meeting, or simply email your thoughts and suggestions. Tell us how you want to be involved.
Together we can make Crewe a physically and economically healthy community.
Learn More!
Crewe is Virginia's first Healthy Eating/Active Living (HEAL) community, as designated by the Institute for Public Health Innovation.
So what does this mean? It means that Citizens, leadership, and partner businesses and organizations in Crewe have committed themselves to reversing the trend of obesity prevalent in Southside Virginia by educating each other on the healthy options available for our residents and supporting internal change that promotes healthy lifestyles.
This doesn't mean we're trying to ban trans fats or Big Gulps. Instead of promoting healthy change by limiting options, we're providing more options--connecting citizens with opportunity.
Click on the downloads below to learn more about Crewe's pioneering efforts and the current state of health in our region.