Addressing the Childhood Obesity Epidemic in Southeastern Georgia through a Community Coalition - An Applied Approach

Authors

Bridget F. Melton, Georgia Southern UniversityFollow
Daniel R. Czech, Georgia Southern UniversityFollow
Amy Jo Riggs, Georgia Southern UniversityFollow
Starla McCollum, Georgia Southern UniversityFollow
Marlo Rouse-Arnett, Georgia Southern UniversityFollow
A. Barry Joyner, Georgia Southern UniversityFollow
Elaine S. Marshall, Georgia Southern UniversityFollow
Melinda L. Czech, Georgia Southern University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2010

Publication Title

The GAPHERD Journal

Abstract

Childhood obesity is growing at an alarming rate in the state of Georgia. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that 15% of children in Georgia are classified as obese. Research suggests that communities play a critical role in addressing the overweight and obesity crisis. Recently, the Bulloch County Health Department received funding for a Nutrition and Physical Activity Demonstration Project from the Georgia Division of Public Health. The aim of the project is to strengthen the Children’s Health Improvement and Lifestyle Development (C.H.I.L.D.) Coalition, whose goal is to help increase childhood physical fitness and healthy eating habits in the Bulloch County area. The purpose of this paper is to discuss steps taken that helped this organization develop the C.H.I.L.D. Coalition. Information from this paper may help other communities begin childhood health initiatives.

Recommended Citation

Melton, Bridget F., Daniel R. Czech, Amy Jo Riggs, Starla McCollum, Marlo Rouse-Arnett, A. Barry Joyner, Elaine S. Marshall, Melinda L. Czech. 2010. "Addressing the Childhood Obesity Epidemic in Southeastern Georgia through a Community Coalition - An Applied Approach." The GAPHERD Journal, 43 (1): 18-20. source: https://www.gahperd.org/uploads/3/0/9/4/30944901/gahperd_jrnl_spring_2010_journal.pdf
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/commhealth-facpubs/27