ActiveWV: a systematic approach to developing a physical activity plan for West Virginia.
BACKGROUND
Modeled after the National Physical Activity Plan (NPAP), ActiveWV 2015: The West Virginia Physical Activity Plan was developed to provide strategic direction for physical activity promotion within the state. The purpose of this manuscript is to describe the systematic approach taken in developing ActiveWV.


METHODS
Plan development began with establishing capacity and leadership among key stakeholders representing all societal sectors. A multiphase, statewide decision-making process allowed for input across sectors and geographic regions. The process results identified five priority areas that served as the conceptual framework for ActiveWV. Sector teams, comprised of key organization stakeholders across the eight sectors, finalized the sector-specific strategies and tactics using the NPAP evidence-based recommendations, results from a formalized strategic process, and the teams' expertise and experience.


RESULTS
ActiveWV was officially released on January 19, 2012 at the State Capitol in Charleston, West Virginia. Community events throughout the state surrounded the release and celebrated West Virginia Physical Activity Day. Ongoing implementation and dissemination efforts are underway at state and local levels.


CONCLUSIONS
As the NPAP calls for states and communities to develop plans that meet the needs of their particular context, other states may find the lessons learned from West Virginia helpful in the development process.
College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV.
Eloise
E
Elliott
Emily
E
Jones
Sean
S
Bulger
D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003657:Decision Making; D006284:Health Plan Implementation / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D009043:Motor Activity; D011050:Policy Making; D016730:Program Development / Q000379:methods*; D015980:Public Health Practice; D055818:Public-Private Sector Partnerships; D013221:State Health Plans / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014903:West Virginia