Community Health Investment Program (CHIP) The mission of the Community Health Investment Program (CHIP) is to encourage a healthy and safe community through the use of well-planned initiatives and partnerships that will promote Rogers, Lowell and the region as an economically-efficient, socially-integrated, and environmentally-friendly area that will result in sustainable development.

CHIP includes the Drug Free Rogers-Lowell (DFRL) program with its mission to reduce the demand for illegal drugs and other harmful substances in the workplace, home and community. Uniting these two programs under the CHIP umbrella allows for cross-over programming and activities with the common goal of creating the healthiest community possible.

Programs include the following:
Drug Prevention
Funded by the federal Drug Free Communities Grant program, emphasis is placed on preventing the use of cocaine, methamphetamine, underage alcohol use, tobacco, and medicine abuse. Strategies to combat this use include a comprehensive media campaign, educational presentations, promotion of Drug Free Workplace policies, and a Merchant Flyer Education program. The coalition has implemented an annual Medicine Abuse Awareness campaign that is held in August. This campaign educates the community on the harmful effects of the misuse of prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs.  The Benton County Methamphetamine Task Force, a subcommittee under this grant funding, will implement the eighth annual Methamphetamine Awareness Month in October 2010.

Tobacco Prevention
The tobacco prevention program is funded by the Arkansas Department of Health. Efforts are focused on creating tobacco-free environments, reducing exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke, and linking smokers to cessation programs. In the state of Arkansas, $812 million dollars a year is currently spent directly on smoking-related diseases. Coalition strategies include community presentations, a comprehensive media campaign, annual Operation Storefront youth assessment, and a Tobacco Retailer education program.

Underage Drinking Prevention
The underage drinking prevention program funded by the Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant (SPF SIG) from the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Office of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention. This program specifically addresses the issue of underage alcohol use in Benton County. Strategies include implementing an evidence-based model prevention program reaching the entire county, a comprehensive media campaign, community presentations, Town Hall meetings, “Talk it Out” nights for families, and Beverage Service trainings.

Fit with 5 Worksite Challenge
The Fit With 5 Worksite Challenge is a 5-week program conducted annually for local business which focuses on increasing physical activity and intake of fruits and vegetables.  The goal is for participants to engage in 30 minutes of physical activity per day for 5 days of the week and to eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Participants earn daily points for successfully fulfilling the goals.  Having this program at the worksite creates an environment that promotes and supports healthy behaviors.

Building a healthy and safe community are the goals of Drug Free Rogers-Lowell and the Community Health Investment Program.  As the chamber works toward “growing business, building community,” these programs enhance the quality of life in our area while voicing the concerns of the business community on illegal drug use and health issues.

Drug Free Rogers-Lowell (DFRL) is a coalition of all sectors of the community dedicated to improving the social health and welfare of Northwest Arkansas. For more details on DFRL visit www.ioit2me.com.


For more information on these programs, or to join the coalition, contact

Megan Cuddy
Vice President of Community Development
Community Health Investment Program
317 West Walnut
Rogers, AR 72756
479-619-3188
megan@rogerslowell.com

Sponsors of CHIP and DFRL:

Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsor



Office of the Benton County Prosecutor

Silver Sponsor



Bentonville Police Department

Bronze Sponsor

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