Obesity Prevention Initiative

Obesity Prevention Initiative. Within 60 days after the effective date of this Act, and subject to the availability of public, private, and contributed in-kind resources, the Department of Public Health shall work with the Department of Human Services and other public, private, and voluntary stakeholders to plan, organize, and publicize at least 3 hearings on the health and social costs of obesity and the need to address the obesity epidemic with community, policy, and individual health behavior change. The purpose of these hearings shall be to (1) highlight existing State and community level initiatives, (2) identify existing plans and opportunities for action and the expansion of initiatives, (3) inform policy makers and the public about effective solutions to the problem, and (4) identify and engage stakeholders to promote action to reduce obesity, improve nutrition, and increase physical activity. The hearing officers shall include: the Chair of the State Board of Health or her designee and up to 3 additional members of the State Board of Health; the Chair of the Chronic Disease Task Force, if appointed, and up to 3 additional members of the Chronic Disease Task Force, if appointed; 2 members of the House of Representatives, one of whom shall be named by the Speaker of the House and one of whom shall be named by the Minority Leader of the House; and 2 members of the Senate, one of whom shall be named by the President of the Senate and one of whom shall be named by the Minority Leader of the Senate. The Department shall provide or work with stakeholders to provide logistical and support staff for hearings. No later than February 1, 2010, and subject to the availability of public, private, and contributed in-kind resources, a report on these hearings shall be provided to the members of the General Assembly and the State Board of Health to inform and support action on implementing the 2009 State Health Improvement Plan. Pursuant to Public Act 95-0900, the Chronic Disease Task Force shall also use the report to inform the Plan that is due July 1, 2010 to the General Assembly. Within 60 days after the completion of the report on the hearings, but no later than April 1, 2010, and subject to appropriation for that purpose, the Department of Public Health shall grant funds to one or more non-profit organizations or local public health departments to conduct a statewide education and engagement campaign focusing on the health effects of obesity, the social costs of obesity, and the need to address the obesity epidemic with community, policy, and individual health behavior change. (Source: P.A. 96-155, eff. 8-7-09.)