Hoffman Estates recognized for addressing childhood obesity
The National League of Cities has recognized Mayor William D. McLeod and the Village of Hoffman Estates a second time for recent completion of key health and wellness goals for Let’s Move! Cities, Towns and Counties.
LMCTC is a major component of First Lady Michelle Obama’s comprehensive Let’s Move! initiative, which is dedicated to solving the childhood obesity epidemic within a generation.
The village was awarded four medals total: A gold medal in Goal I: Start Early, Start Smart; and bronze, silver and gold medals in Goal V: Active Kids at Play.
The Goal I gold medal was awarded for integrating each of the five goals of Let’s Move! Child Care into at least one professional development training offered annually to early care and education providers; promoting participation in Let’s Move! Child Care among early care and education providers using at least three approaches; and having an active interagency collaboration on early care and education programs.
The three Goal V medals were awarded for mapping all playspaces; completing a needs assessment of playspaces; developing an action plan; and launching at least three proven policies, programs or initiatives from the action plan to continue to increase access to physical activity.
“The Village’s Department of Health and Human Services plays a critical role in addressing childhood obesity in Hoffman Estates,” said Mayor William D. McLeod.
“Working collaboratively with the Hoffman Estates Park District, our staff strives to prevent disease and illness among all of our residents. Additionally, the department provides vaccinations, mental health services and educational programs that focus on the well-being of the community.”
The NLC works with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the National Association of Counties, and other nonprofit organizations in assisting local elected officials to implement policy and environmental changes to prevent childhood obesity. More than 370 cities, towns and counties are participating in LMCTC.
For more information about Hoffman Estates’ accomplishments, visit www.healthycommunitieshealthyfuture.org.
To learn more about the affordable and convenient services offered by Health and Human Services, visit www.hoffmanestates.org/hhs.