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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Irm Pichot, RN, MGA¹, Judith Covich, RN, MA¹, Sharon Strauss, MSEd², and Mary Tierney, MD, FAAP³. (1) School Health Services, Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, 1301 Piccard Dr., Rockville, MD 20850, 240-777-1558, Irm.Pichot@montgomerycountymd.gov, (2) Linkages to Learning, Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, 51 Monroe Street, 17th Floor, Rockville, MD 20850, (3) Health, American Institutes of Research, 1000 Thomas Jefferson Street NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20007

National and local data reflects the national epidemic of childhood obesity and risks of overweight. Montgomery County Maryland's Department of Health and Human Services, School Health Services and Linkages to Learning, a school based social services and mental health program, have partnered with American Institutes of Research (AIR), a private non-profit, to tackle these concerns threatening the County's growing population of culturally diverse and impoverished families. AIR had previously piloted its obesity prevention curriculum AIRDROP (American Institutes for Research's - Dissemination of Research into Practice) in neighboring Washington, D.C. at an urban school-based health center, with a nurse practitioner teaching students in the classrooms during the school-day. The new partnership soon recognized that modifications were needed in the new setting. The program, renamed Food, Fitness and Fun, was adapted to an after-school program designed to meet school district's needs. Lessons were modified to add physical activity, include translated and culturally appropriate health materials for parents and out reach to engage families. School nurses led the eight-week after-school sessions, incorporating fun physical activities, nutrition messages and healthy snacks prepared by students. Parent focus groups (English and Spanish) were conducted at parent orientations and at the program's conclusion. Pre and post tests measured student knowledge to determine program effectiveness. The presentation will share the outcomes of this public-private partnership geared to address the growing concerns regarding childhood obesity, especially in low-income, culturally diverse school communities.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner)in this session will be able to

• Describe an effective public-private partnership which addresses childhood obesity prevention.
• Describe the process for recruiting partners and engaging support of stakeholders.
• Articulate the outcomes of the obesity prevention pilot for elementary school students and their families.

Keywords: Obesity, Health Promotion

Related Web page: www.air.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered