Get Out, Get Active

Learn about the
Get Out, Get Active incentive program

Active Living is a way of life that integrates physical activity into daily routines and destinations, through activities such as biking, walking and/or taking transit.

Why Active Living is important

  • Improves physical and mental health
  • Decreases risk of chronic disease and associated medical costs
  • Reduces transportation costs
  • Improves air quality
  • Builds safer, stronger communities
  • Improves quality of life

About our work

Active Living Hennepin County is a partnership of cities, businesses and nonprofits working together to increase opportunities for active living through policy change and infrastructure planning.  The group was launched in 2006 with grant funding from Blue Cross Blue Shield and Hennepin County.

We have been funded by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota since 2006; as of July 2009, we have also been funded through the Minnesota Department of Health's Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP).  A vision, mission and guiding principles are at the core of all that we do.

During 2006 and 2007, we conducted an assessment of the opportunities and barriers to active living. The assessment led to the development of our vision, mission and guiding principles, and helps guide our work.  It also led to the creation of subcommittees that now carry out the majority of our work and plan special events such as our Get Out, Get Active campaign and Building Cultural Competencies workshops in 2011.

Resolutions and policies

The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the county's first active living resolution in October 2007. This resolution formally adopted our active living vision, mission and guiding principles, and laid the foundation for the development and implementation of related policies. Our Active Living Policies were adopted in June and July of 2009 and are being implemented throughout Hennepin County.

Targeted workshops

We have hosted four targeted workshops for our partners and other interested organizations: