Brief History of BLEND

• May 2006 - First large community group gathered by Dr. David Tilstra of CentraCare Clinic and began to formulate a vision of coalition.
• July 2006 - Reconvened large group, conducted video conference with Dr. James Hill from University of Colorado & America On The Move. Hired a consultant to facilitate group brainstorming session and further refine vision of the coalition.
• Sept 2006 - Coalition Steering Committee formed. Began to discuss coalition structure, key programming ideas and funding sources. Coalition structure modeled after successful Smoke Free Communities health initiative.
• Nov-Dec 2006 - Steering committee decides on 4 focus areas (Physical Activity, Nutrition, Medical Community & Community Engagement) and ten-year timeline to make an impact on childhood obesity by setting a BMI reduction goal. CentraCare Health Foundation secures $38,000 to finance formal coalition planning phase (1/1/07 - 6/30/07).
• Jan 2007 - Reconvened large group, rolled out formal subcommittee structure, appoint chairs and begin to work on details of each focus area.
• Feb-Mar 2007 - Steering Committee continues to work on overall programming plan with focused CentraCare Health Foundation efforts on cultivating funding sources for initial 3 years of actual programming implementation.
• May 2007 – Collaboration is renamed BLEND (Better Living: Exercise and Nutrition Daily) A Partnership for Better Living and a logo is decided upon.
• June 2007 – BLEND secures a $309,000 grant from the CentraCare Health Foundation to hire and retain a full-time project coordinator for a minimum of 3 years.
• July 2007 – BLEND hires Jodi Rohe as project coordinator.
• October 2007 – BLEND launches 12 week Pilot program to 304 kids in 5 daycare centers.