IAPO Drives Forward to Develop State Obesity Action Roadmap November 5, 2010

Quad Cities To Host Regional Forum

As an organization of multi-sector partners, Illinois Alliance to Prevent Obesity (IAPO) engages citizens to actively participate in tackling the rising obesity epidemic in Illinois. Currently, Illinois is ranked fourth worst in the nation for childhood obesity, and many of the places we live, work and play don’t support healthy eating and improved physical activity. Imagine a community where the “healthy choice” is the “easy choice,” where schools serve nutritious food, workplaces promote healthy behavior, and parks offer exercise equipment and programs. In an effort to make a difference for the health and well-being of all people in Illinois, IAPO is holding a regional forum in Moline, IL, hosted by the Two Rivers YMCA. The Quad Cities forum will take place on November 5, 2010, from 9:00 – 11:00 am, at 2040 53rd St. All community stakeholders currently working to prevent obesity in their communities are encouraged to attend.

The purpose of this forum is to allow stakeholders to offer input on how to help Illinoisans lead healthier lives. Participants will generate ideas and give feedback on policy-level solutions to Illinois’ growing obesity epidemic. Attendees, who have been working on healthy community issues in the areas of government, schools, health care, business, agencies and faith-based organizations, will be engaged in discussions that address local and statewide problems and strategies to promote healthy eating and active living.

Through this regional forum, IAPO is gathering input for a State Obesity Action Roadmap, which will be completed at the 2010 State Obesity Action Summit on December 3, 2010. With the endorsement of many stakeholders and sectors, this Roadmap will provide solutions that increase access to healthy and affordable food, boost opportunities for physical activity and implement environmental changes to ensure a healthy future for Illinois. The Roadmap combines community voices from across the state to form a working document that pushes for change to help Illinoisans live in healthier ways.

This Quad Cities regional forum is FREE and open to the public. To RSVP or for additional information, please contact YMCA Community Wellness Executive Christy Filby at cfilby@qcsymca.org. Be heard and help shape a healthier future for Illinois – attend a regional forum!