Local adaptation of the National Physical Activity Plan: creation of the Active Living Plan for a Healthier San Antonio.
BACKGROUND
Physical inactivity and related health consequences are serious public health threats. Effective strategies to facilitate and support active-living opportunities must be implemented at national, state, and local levels. San Antonio, Texas, health department officials launched the Active Living Council of San Antonio (ALCSA) to engage the community in developing a 3- to 5-year plan to promote active living.


METHODS
A steering committee set preliminary ALCSA aims and established a multisector membership structure modeled after the US National Physical Activity Plan (NPAP). ALCSA adopted governance standards, increased knowledge of physical activity and health, and engaged in an 18-month collaborative master plan writing process.


RESULTS
ALCSA selected overarching strategies and evidence-based strategies for each societal sector and adapted strategies to the local context, including tactics, measures of success, and timelines. Community and expert engagement led to a localized plan reflecting national recommendations, the Active Living Plan for a Healthier San Antonio.


CONCLUSIONS
Multisector collaborations among governmental agencies and community organizations, which were successfully developed in this case to produce the first-ever local adaptation of the NPAP, require clearly defined expectations. Lessons learned in ALCSA's organizational and plan development can serve as a model for future community-driven efforts to increase active living.
Institute for Health Promotion Research, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX.
Laura A
LA
Esparza
Katherine S
KS
Velasquez
Annette M
AM
Zaharoff
D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006284:Health Plan Implementation / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D009043:Motor Activity; D016730:Program Development / Q000379:methods*; D011634:Public Health; D015980:Public Health Practice; D055818:Public-Private Sector Partnerships; D013221:State Health Plans / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013781:Texas