Program Announcement
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Funds IAMMM to Address Childhood Obesity Epidemic through Schools and Neighborhoods
The Institute for the Advancement of Multicultural and Minority Medicine (IAMMM) was recently awarded a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWFJ) to raise awareness and educate communities on policies and practices that have strong potential to prevent or reduce childhood obesity. The one-year project will be conducted through the training and preparation of ten national organizations, which will conduct educational projects in communities nationwide. The ten national organizations selected for the training are the following: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, Girls Inc. National Resource Center, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc, National Alliance & Black School Educators (NABSE), National Association of Black Social Workers, Inc, ALAS Association of Latino Adminstrators & Superintendants, Student National Medical Association (SNMA), The Links, Incorporated.
Obesity is a serious problem for American youth. Approximately 17% of youngsters between the ages of 12 and 19 are overweight and 19% of children, ages 6 through 9 are identified as obese.
The IAMMM has been in the forefront in seeking solutions to this serious health issue. In 2007, it convened a meeting of its 88 Collaborative Partners Council in Washington, DC to specifically address childhood obesity. Through the use of the IAMMM Advocacy Model, participants determined recommended changes needed to be made in the school, neighborhood, and home environments to which children are exposed. The Advocacy Model has four components: increased awareness, increased knowledge about the causes and consequences of childhood obesity, gaining skills and gaining attitudes to implement policies and practices to prevent or reduce childhood obesity.
IAMMM’s funding by RWJF will support the development of effective tools and an implementation process to aid in national, state and local organizations’ pursuit of change.
For information on IAMMM, visit the IAMMM website at www.iammm.org or call Benetta Waller at (202) 667-6155. |