Signs of Progress Toward Reversing the Childhood Obesity Epidemic 

After decades of increases in rates of childhood obesity, several cities and states across the country have reported that their rates have declined. Join us for an engaging conversation with leaders from the places showing signs of progress to learn more about what’s working to reverse the epidemic.

The event will be hosted by Voices for Healthy Kids, a new collaboration between the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the American Heart Association focused on changing local, state, and federal policies to help children and adolescents eat healthier foods and be more active.

Register to Attend! 

Agenda

Welcome

Opening remarks provided by:

• Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, president and CEO, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
• Nancy Brown, CEO, American Heart Association

Panel 1: Paths to Progress—States

This session will include presentations and a moderated discussion with leaders representing states that have measured declines in their childhood obesity rates. Panelists will discuss strategies their states used to help children and families eat healthier foods and be more active.

Panelists:

• Genoveva Islas-Hooker, regional program director, Central California Regional Obesity Prevention Program
• Jamie Jeffrey, medical director of the Children’s Medicine Center & Healthy Kids Pediatric Weight Management Program at Women and Children’s Hospital, Charleston Area Medical Center, Charleston, WV
• Rev. Michael Minor, national director, H.O.P.E. HHS Partnership, National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.
• Notah Begay III, four-time PGA Tour Winner and founder, Notah Begay III (NB3) Foundation

Moderator: Nancy Brown

Panel 2: Paths to Progress—Cities and Counties

This session will include presentations and a moderated discussion with leaders representing cities and counties that have measured declines in their childhood obesity rates. Panelists will discuss strategies their cities and counties used to help children and families eat healthier foods and be more active.  

Panelists:

• Lisa Harrison, health director of Granville and Vance Counties, NC
• Giridhar Mallya, director of policy and planning, Philadelphia Department of Public Health 
• Carol Renner, associate superintendent for Kearney Public Schools in Kearney, NE
• Cindy Norquest, program director of Healthy Futures Alaska

Moderator: Risa Lavizzo-Mourey

Keynote Speakers

Two leaders in the effort to prevent childhood obesity will share their thoughts on the future of the movement.

Speakers:

• Chip Johnson, Mayor, Hernando, MS
• Tom Farley, Health Commissioner of New York City

Moderators: Risa Lavizzo-Mourey and Nancy Brown

Reflection and Close

Risa Lavizzo-Mourey and Nancy Brown will provide a reflection on the day’s discussion and a description of next steps for Voices for Healthy Kids.