Recent Stories
December 17, 2014
Published in the Star Ledger/NJ.com Marguerite Leuze, special assistant for health services and nursing for the Newark Public Schools Office of Health Services, has received the “Healthy Kids Champion” award from the New Jersey Partnership for Healthy Kids, a program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Leuze received the award for her “dedicated and focused commitment to the children in the city of Newark especially those who are underserved and less privileged.” She was one of six community leaders honored for their commitment and contributions in the NJPHK-targeted communities of Newark, Camden, New Brunswick, Trenton and Vineland. “It’s an honor to present the Healthy Kids Champion award to Dr. Leuze for her tireless advocacy and commitment to providing the specialized care she does in Newark,” said Darrin Anderson, deputy director of NJPHK. “I feel privileged to have had the opportunity over the years to be able to make a difference […]
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December 13, 2014
During the conference, six interactive workshops presented progress on policy and environmental change strategies that can increase opportunities for healthy eating, wellness and physical activity. Each moderated session featured discussion among experts in the field and enabled the audience to interact through questions, feedback and comments. Topics, moderators and panel members were as follows: Workshop A: A Fresh Perspective: The NJ Healthy Corner Stores Initiative overviewed the NJ Healthy Corner Stores Initiative which works with store owners and others in the community to increase access to healthy foods in underserved areas by making those foods available at corner stores. Successes, impacts on the communities throughout NJ and implementation strategies were shared. Moderator: Corinne Orlando, director of Government Relations for the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association in New Jersey Speakers: Marissa Davis, project manager for NJPHK-Trenton; Maria Hollander, M.P.H., manager of National Partnerships, American Heart Association; Miriam Manon senior associate for […]
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December 13, 2014
“Obesity is the most stigmatized condition in our society,” said Dr. William H. Dietz, director of the Sumner M. Redstone Global Center for Prevention and Wellness at George Washington University. Obesity is not a choice but a development caused by any number of personal and external factors. Once awareness is increased, health officials can marshal effort to change public opinion against obesity very much like in the campaign against smoking. “The best investments we can make, said Dr. Dietz, are people-based.” Use people first language and start to move from what to how. Use authority to set standards for ECE and as health professionals, agree on consistent messages and strategies. Collaboration is key so align with other efforts: Let’s Move, YMCA, United Way, hospitals, community-based organizations. Always institute measures that capture progress and benefits. SHARE:
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December 13, 2014
There was much to celebrate and acknowledge at the NJPHK Building Healthy, Equitable Communities Conference with the presentation of Healthy Kids Champion awards to six community leaders for their commitment and contributions in the NJPHK-targeted communities of Camden, New Brunswick, Trenton, Newark and Vineland and in the State Program Office. This year’s winners are as follows: Meishka Mitchell, Cooper’s Ferry Partnership (CFP) Vice President of Neighborhood Initiatives, was acknowledged for being an established community leader in Camden, respected by government officials, community partners, city residents, and peers. She brings a keen, unique perspective and expertise in community planning and neighborhood revitalization to CFP based on her education, experience and as a Camden native, brings a deep knowledge of this community to her leadership. Michael G. Blackwell, Superintendent of Recreation in New Brunswick and Executive Director of “The First Tee of Raritan Valley” was acknowledged for his work in New Brunswick […]
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December 13, 2014
NJTV News program Anchor and Managing Editor, Mike Schneider moderated a panel of experts that included: Diana MTK Autin, executive co-director, Statewide Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN) Robert C. Like, MD, MS, professor and director, Center for Healthy Families and Cultural Diversity, Family Medicine and Community Health, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Mariam Merced, MA, director, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Community Health Promotion Program Daniel F. Oscar, president and chief executive office, Center for Supportive Schools Laurie Shanderson, PhD, MPA, assistant dean in the School of Health Sciences at the Richard Stockton College. Read more The panel discussed examples of health equity changes that have been incorporated into policies and practices to build healthier communities. The role that community partnerships and collaboration played in building healthy and equitable communities was explored and was a topic about which the audience asked questions and offered comments during the town hall portion of this […]
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December 13, 2014
“We, as a nation, will strive together to build a Culture of Health enabling all in our diverse society to lead healthier lives now and for generations to come,” said Dwayne C. Proctor, PhD, MS, director of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s (RWJF) Eliminating Health Disparities Portfolio. What is a Culture of Health? Proctor stated that in order to ensure a healthy future in our communities, we need to spread and share the vision and its possibilities. This means looking across our community and identifying and elevating those places that need extra attention. It means not being silent, but building demand for healthy places and practices. Most importantly, we need to give all kids a healthy start and truly address the roots of violence where they exist. This is how we can improve health equity now and for the future. SHARE:
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December 13, 2014
Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) statistics indicate that what happens in childhood leads to medical and social outcomes as an adult. However, more research is warranted to better understand the specifics of what this means and how to best address it. To date, we know that 26 percent of adults in New Jersey are obese. Those adults with a BMI (body mass index) over 30 are considered to be obese. One in four Caucasians and one in three African Americans in New Jersey are in this category. “We have to stop accepting that, says Dr. Brito.” Programs need to address vulnerable people–those who are obese regardless of age or skin color. The state is putting time and resources into public health to stem the tide of obesity even before it begins. By providing the means to achieving a healthy lifestyle through various initiatives, the state is truly partnering for a Healthy […]
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December 13, 2014
Deputy Director of NJPHK, Dr. Darrin Anderson, welcomed over 300 teachers, health professionals, social service leaders and other advocates for healthy communities to the Building, Healthy, Equitable Communities Conference held on December 3rd at the Pines Manor in Edison, NJ. During his opening remarks, Dr. Anderson gave an update on the relationship of adverse childhood experiences to adult health. He indicated that the more categories of trauma experienced in childhood, the greater the likelihood of experiencing medical and/or social problems. He challenged participants to “have the audacity” that Martin Luther King Jr. spoke of – ‘that all people should have access to food, education, culture, dignity equality and freedom.’ “Remember why we’re here today,” Anderson reminded the audience…”to actively ensure that all have not only equality but equity.” SHARE:
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November 11, 2014
New Jersey Partnership for Healthy Kids-Vineland (NJPHK-V) recently received an initial grant of $450,000 toward a three-year $1.35 million award from the Partnership to Improve Community Health (PICH), a program funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The funds to help reduce chronic diseases such as obesity and address environmental factors contributing to health disparities that currently affect nearly 75 percent of all Vineland residents. Since its inception in 2009, NJPHK-V has made significant progress in ensuring Vineland families have access to healthy choices. These successes include: creating bike lanes; sponsoring monthly fun and fitness events in the business district during spring and summer months; securing commitments from five Vineland corner stores and restaurants to provide healthier product choices; assisting with the development of a wellness policy and creating a wellness council in the Vineland public school district benefiting nearly 10,000 students. “This grant allows us to expand […]
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November 11, 2014
The United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey selected New Jersey Partnership of Healthy Kids-Vineland (NKPHK-V) as a targeted health investment. United Way will provide $81,000 for next three years to fund NKPHK-V in its efforts to reverse obesity rates among Vineland’s children. A particular focus will be on making it easier for children to walk and bike in Vineland. In announcing the grant, Alice Woods, United Way executive director noted that “Vineland children are more likely than other American youngsters to be overweight or obese. In fact, despite living in an agricultural community, 90 percent of kids do not eat the recommended amount of vegetables, and the majority of them don’t get enough physical activity.” “We want to send a BIG thank you to United Way,” said Lisa Scheetz, NJPHK-V project manager. “We are honored that they are supporting the partnership as we work to expand safe […]
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