Incorporating health and wellness opportunities wherever possible is an important job for planners. Walk with a Doc is an international organization with the goal of promoting community health through interaction between health professionals and residents. It was started by Dr. David Sabgir, a Columbus, Ohio cardiologist in 2005, to affect behavior change in his patients. Through a grassroots effort, this program has spread to over 500 chapters worldwide.
It’s also a program being adopted by communities throughout the Commonwealth, with approximately 20 chapters from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia. In Susquehanna Township, Dauphin County, Walk with a Doc is a monthly event, with each month being led by a different doctor and focused on a different health topic. The walks last for about an hour and take place at different parks/venues around the Harrisburg area. The first portion of the walk is for residents to learn about a current health topic from the healthcare expert, while the rest of the walk is for open-ended conversation. The free Walk with a Doc program is an excellent low-cost tool to engage with the community and inform residents about important health topics. It also provides the opportunity for the community to highlight local trails and parks. More information can be found online.
