Denver Public Health

The Health Promotion Program (HPP) at Denver Public Health oversees development and implementation of public health activities and services in partnership with Denver's diverse population. Current issues addressed include: tobacco prevention and education, physical activity, nutrition, and worksite wellness. We are expanding to include injury/violence prevention, and substance abuse prevention. The HPP serves as a healthy living resource for all Denver residents and expects to decrease disease and premature death from chronic diseases and injuries through information, education, and empowerment.

Tobacco Prevention and Education - Local Lead Agency
The HPP serves as the Local Lead Agency under contract with the State Tobacco Education and Prevention Partnership (STEPP). HPP has the responsibility of planning and coordinating a comprehensive tobacco prevention and education program for the City and County of Denver. The project functions to mobilize and build capacity for tobacco control within the Denver communty and to plan and implement community-based strategies to reduce the burden of tobacco use. These strategies address four primary program goals:

1. Prevention initiation of tobacco use by youth;
2. Promote cessation among youth and adults;
3. Reduce exposure to secondhand smoke; and,
4. Identify and eliminate disparities among populations.

The HPP is advised and supports the Denver Alliance on Tobacco and Health, a broad-based community alliance representing various organizations, agencies, businesses, and individuals whose mission is to improve the health and economy of Denver by reducing tobacco use.

Physical Activity and Nutrition
The HPP, collaborating with many community groups and organizations, facilitates the Westside Healthy Exercise and Nutrition project in the neighborhoods of Barnum, Barnum West, Sun Valley, Valverde, Villa Park, and West Colfax with the purpose of increasing healthy eating and active living.