Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County

Obesity is a major problem both locally and across the country. Statistics show that over one third of kids are either overweight or obese. Think about that… one third. These children are health problems waiting to happen. Their odds of suffering from diabetes, heart disease, and many other health-related issues go up drastically. About 70% of Montgomery County adults are also overweight or obese.

“5-2-1-Almost None” is GetUp Montgomery County’s central theme.

GetUp’s ultimate success will be when healthy kids grow into healthy adults that produce healthy kids and healthy families.

GetUp has developed close relationships with many other community organizations and agencies that are also working toward the same shared goals. We are at present partnering with over 130 community groups and organizations. Download a listing of our many community partnerships as a PDF file below.

A dedicated website at GetUpMC.org provides many educational and informational resources. A public awareness campaign involving television, newspapers and billboards has also been used. In addition, Public Health sponsored the GetUp Healthy City Challenge between the cities of Vandalia and Centerville, and is currently sponsoring the Healthy Hospitals Challenge between two of the region’s largest employers: Kettering Health Network and Premier Health Partners. This challenge has the potential to improve the health of 20,000+ people who live or work in our community. It is our hope that schools, employers, faith-based groups, and other community organizations will catch the vision and challenge each other to live healthier lives. To learn more about GetUp, call Bruce Barcelo at 937-225-4398.

Reducing obesity and encouraging people to choose healthier lifestyles involves a long-term community commitment. We are confident that over time the GetUp Initiative will lead to a healthier Montgomery County.