County Coalition Aims To Prevent Childhood Obesity
A coalition of health care providers, public health officials and children's health advocacy groups in Contra Costa County have formed a coalition to reduce childhood obesity, the Contra Costa Times reports.
Health officials say the rate of childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the region and nationwide. In 2006, 48% of children seen by Contra Costa County's health system were overweight, including 34% ages two to five, according to the Times.
A new countywide coalition, the "Healthy and Active Before 5," by November hopes to release an action plan that will outline a broad approach to preventing childhood obesity.
The group includes:
- Contra Costa Health Services;
- Kaiser Permanente;
- First 5 Children & Families Coalition;
- Families Coalition for Activity and Nutrition; and
- Contra Costa's Women, Infants and Children program.
Kaiser Permanente has awarded a $96,000 startup grant to fund the coalition (Steffens, Contra Costa Times, 3/29). This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.