Developing ways to combat childhood obesity is the goal of a study involving Purdue Extension.
"Communities Preventing Childhood Obesity," helps community health coalitions to identify things that could be contributing to the problem, such as lack of easily accessible playgrounds or grocery stores.
The project involves two counties each from Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
Adams and Henry counties in Indiana were chosen after completing an application that assessed their community health coalitions' connection with local neighborhoods and ability to effect change in their areas.
The health coalitions are using observation, written assessments and parent surveys to determine what improvements their communities need.
Once the process is complete, the coalitions will implement programs to address these needs.
The study will wrap up in March 2016.