Solutions for Addressing the Childhood Obesity Epidemic in African-American Communities

Shavon Arline, Director of Health Programs for the NAACP remarks on how to solve the childhood obesity epidemic in African-American communities.

The standing room only briefing on June 30th, 2010 hosted by Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge shed light on the issue of childhood obesity in minority and other underserved communities. The briefing, coming on the heels the House and Senate passing her bill to designate September as Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, featured a panel of experts who represent a range of civil rights and health care organizations. The audience also heard testimony from Salena Williams, a 15 year old constituent from Euclid, Ohio. Salena described her struggle to lose 45 pounds and conquer diabetes, a journey that took her from a hospital emergency room to wellness.

In her opening remarks, Congresswoman Fudge shared her views of childhood obesity as an epidemic with enormous health, economic, and civil rights implications. "We're here to empower our communities, our parents, and our kids to be fit for life. We're here to find real solutions to the barriers that prevent some kids from living healthy, long lives," said Congresswoman Fudge. "We're here to put our heads together to end childhood obesity within a generation...We can't afford to wait. Our children and future generations need our leadership to bring about change."

As one of Congresswoman Fudge's top priorities, Congresswoman Fudge will continue to sponsor relevant legislation to address these startling statistics.

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News & Politics

Tags:

• childhood obesity
• african-americans
• naacp
• marcia fudge