The indicators of a healthy community encompass more than just trendy fitness studios or organic produce offerings at the local grocery store. The journey toward good health should start within Families, neighborhoods, schools and workplaces. The Army is working to build an integrated prevention system that focuses on improving conditions affecting factors such as housing, health care, education and beyond.
The Army Prevention Plan of Action 3.0 explains that a prevention system is made up of several fundamental parts. First, there are people, including strong leaders, trained prevention specialists and the Army community. Next, there are important tools, like policies, resources and data systems that focus on prevention. Lastly, dedicated staff members work to collaborate across organizations and efforts.
“The prevention system serves as the foundational framework for effective prevention planning, implementation and evaluation,” said Dr. Marjorie Dorak, Supervisory Integrated Prevention Specialist, Directorate of Prevention, Resilience and Readiness.
Studies show that people thrive when their communities have sufficient resources. Preventionfocused efforts can enhance community quality of life by promoting healthier lifestyles, fostering social wellness and improving public safety, ultimately contributing to a stronger, more resilient community. This can include opportunities for stable housing, access to child care and safer communities around military bases.
“Addressing these circumstances can give Soldiers, Army Civilians and their Family members a chance to live a healthy life and make the healthiest choices,” Dorak said.
The Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation program directly supports quality of life and readiness by providing a variety of community, Soldier and Family support activities and services as a part of the Community Connections effort. Joel Miller, Chief, Family and MWR Division, explained that the primary goal of Army MWR programs is to provide a working and living environment that attracts and retains outstanding Soldiers.
“Our programs help promote and maintain the mental and physical well-being of the Army community by supporting combat readiness and effectiveness,” he said.
Army MWR does not simply fulfill the entertainment needs of the Army community, Miller said. Participation in the programs can also create important pathways to self-care, stress management, personal development and stronger interpersonal relationships. Activities offered through MWR aim to strengthen the community by helping to reduce risk factors for harmful behaviors. Risk reduction often involves identifying the things in a community that contribute to problems, then taking steps to lessen those factors. By being proactive and addressing these issues, “Army MWR programs can bolster protective factors such as cohesion, connectedness, morale and work-life balance, which can ultimately prevent harmful behaviors,” Dorak said.
Soldiers and their Family members are encouraged to explore the following resources and activities.
- Armed Forces Recreation Centers offer affordable vacation options for military personnel and their Families.
- Army libraries support Soldiers and their Families with story hours, internet access, training materials and librarian assistance.
- Arts and crafts programs offer educational activities that advance fine-arts skills, crafts and vocational arts.
- Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers focuses on the recreational needs of active-duty Soldiers.
- Entertainment and dining programs deliver musical performances and theater productions.
- Fitness and sports programs include gyms and pools that help improve fitness and health through various activities.
- Outdoor recreation programs offer sporting goods and equipment, access to marinas and stables, and much more.
The Army aims to improve outcomes and strengthen community ties through
MWR programs, establishing a network that stops harmful behaviors before they start. As the Army adapts to the evolving needs of its people, focusing on prevention will continue to be an important part of its efforts to promote a healthier and more resilient fighting force.
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