[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CoMET Campaign Kickoff

[Press Releases]

Media Advisory
March 1, 2011
 
Stacia Reilly, Health Promotion Coordinator
573.874.6345 or srreilly at GoColumbiaMo.com 
 
Columbians for Modern, Efficient Transit (CoMET) 
Campaign Kickoff Event Scheduled for March 3
 
As part of the Unite 4 Healthy Neighborhoods project, the
Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services and
PedNet Coalition will kick off the Columbians for Modern, Efficient
Transit (CoMET) campaign on Thursday.  
 
What:       CoMET Campaign Kickoff Announcement
When:      Thursday, March 3, 2011 at approximately 5:40 p.m. (during
the Healthy Community Partnership Annual Meeting)
Where:    Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human
Services 
                    1005 West Worley in Columbia
Why:         The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and
the American Public Health Association (APHA) recognize that
transportation systems impact quality of life and health within
communities. This is in line with CoMet’s vision of: "a modern,
efficient transit system will enrich the lives and support the successes
of all individuals, organizations and businesses in Columbia, by
providing a reliable, convenient transportation service that promotes
health, opportunity and sustainability." 
 
This vision is supported by City of Columbia Public Works, Central
Missouri Community Action, GetAbout Columbia, First Chance for Children,
the Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture and other community groups.
 
The health benefits of a quality transit system include increased
physical activity, improved air quality and reduction in injuries
associated with motor vehicle crashes. "Traveling by bus naturally
incorporates physical activity into individuals' lives. By supporting
our transit system and working with them to improve service, we can
improve the health of our community," said Stephanie Browning, Public
Health and Human Services Director.   
 
Funding for the Unite 4 Healthy Neighborhoods project comes from
Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities, a national program of the Robert Wood
Johnson Foundation. The Health Department, the PedNet Coalition and
others are in their third year of this four year grant. The Healthy
Community Partnership is co-facilitated by the Health Department and the
PedNet Coalition. It is an affiliation of local government agencies,
University of Missouri departments, public and private schools,
non-profit organizations and local businesses who share a common goal to
create an environment in Columbia that encourages healthy living.  
 
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