Health expert Mark Felton and Calhoun coordinator
Janet Heiney help launch multi-county wellness program

"We're here to get ideas about how we can help you get
healthier," says Felton, to local group that met wellness bus

West Virginians are listed as among the un-healthiest people in America, according to a number of national studies.

A program is coming to the region to help improve the situation.

Monday was kick-off day for a major $4.5 million program to improve the health of citizens living in a six-county area served by the Mid-Ohio County Health Department.

The "Wild, Wonderful, Well WV" bus stopped at Calhoun Middle-High School yesterday afternoon, delivering a message on how the program can help residents improve their lifestyle toward healthier living.

Calhoun coordinator Janet Heiney (left) introduced Mark Felton, a national public health planning and transportation expert said, "We're here to help collect ideas on how to improve the health of Calhoun citizens."

A number of Calhoun citizens met with the program developers, who said, "We want to improve the existing policies, systems and environments to better support healthy nutrition and physical activity."

Felton is nationally known for his PBS-TV program "America's Walking," and is the author of several books.

Heiney said, "We need community support and participation to help us help you to have a healthier life."

Tuesday, a coalition of county citizens will begin to develop a plan for the program, which extends through March 2012.

"We need to use our environment and facilities to ensure that our citizens, young and old, have a healthier life," said Heiney.