The mission of the Community Health Investment Program (CHIP) is to encourage a healthy and safe community through the use of well-planned initiatives and partnerships that will promote Rogers, Lowell and the region as an economically-efficient, socially-integrated, and environmentally-friendly area that will result in sustainable development.

CHIP includes the Drug Free Rogers-Lowell (DFRL) program with its mission to reduce the demand for illegal drugs and other harmful substances in the workplace, home and community. Uniting these two programs under the CHIP umbrella allows for cross-over programming and activities with the common goal of creating the healthiest community possible.

With grant funds from the Arkansas Department of Health and Human Services Cardiovascular Health Department, CHIP will encourages area residents to develop healthy lifestyles by promoting the “Worksite Challenge: Fit With 5” program in local workplaces each spring. This physical activity and nutrition program is accompanied by a media campaign designed to heighten awareness of the contributing risk factors, signs and symptoms of heart attack and stroke.

In the fifth year of funding from the federal Drug Free Communities Grant program, emphasis is placed on promoting Drug Free Workplace policy, and continuing the activities of the Benton County Methamphetamine Task Force. Student surveys regarding substance usage and other risky behaviors are compiled regularly, and students are utilized to create and market prevention messages regarding youth abuse of alcohol, prescription drugs, and tobacco.

The tobacco prevention program continues in 2006 with Arkansas Department of Health and Human Services grant funds. Efforts are focused on creating tobacco-free environments, reducing exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke, linking smokers to cessation programs, and reinforcing tobacco retailers’ education on tobacco product restrictions to minors. In addition, Cancer Challenge funds support outreach programs which target special populations such as women and the Hispanic community.

The CHIP partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas also continues in 2006. Adult mentors are recruited to be “matched” with fourth- and fifth-grade students in the Rogers Public School district. This mentoring program has been proven effective in reducing the incidence of substance abuse and other anti-social behaviors in youth considered to be “at risk” for these situations.

Drug Free Rogers-Lowell (DFRL) is a grass-roots coalition of industry, community, and local government leaders dedicated to improving the social health and welfare of Northwest Arkansas. For more details on DFRL and methamphetamine use in Northwest Arkansas, visit www.drugfreenwa.com.


For more information on these program, or to join the coalition, contact

Melissa Ayers
Director
Community Health Investment Program
317 West Walnut
Rogers, AR 72756
479-619-3193
mayers@rogerslowell.com

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