The Southern Obesity Summit (SOS) is the largest regional obesity prevention event in the United States, drawing hundreds of participants from the 16 Southern States consisting of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. Together, these states are joining forces to fight obesity.
Just say YES! This year's SOS is more than a conference. It is the place to find technical assistance for your state through learning collaboratives. It is a time to connect with others in your field of expertise and develop strategies to work together. We are implementing a NEW format, and we request that each state bring a team that is ready to learn, engage and take action! Recruit your experts in public health, health care, schools, industry, education, academics, insurance, nutrition and government. We will work within the pillars established at prior Summits and define actions we can take across all 16 southern states that will truly make a difference. The 6th Annual Southern Obesity Summit has two over-arching goals:
- To effectively engage youth in our strategies to prevent obesity
- To help stakeholders strategize policy and program initiatives across all 16 states
Join us as we map out a healthier future for the South! Engage with our youth, share your successes and overcome your barriers. Just say YES! to eating healthy, being active, getting involved; and, get energized in Charlotte!
Launching the Southern Obesity Strategies!
Six years ago, RWJF joined forces with the Southern Rural access Program to develop a focused plan to impact the obesity epidemic plaguing our nation, specifically in the South. The South has had ever-increasing issues with obesity and the need for a focused effort of system change was apparent. Over the past six years, the Southern Obesity Summit (SOS) has brought together leaders in the field of healthcare, education, government and advocates. These dedicated individuals and organizations have shared experiences, delved into issues and each state has taken away experiences that have led to positive results. Sixteen states, combining our resources, our knowledge and our commitment to prevent obesity in the South are: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. Together, these states are joining forces to fight obesity.
Last year, SOS leadership developed five pillars of focus for our southern strategies:
• Early childhood/Schools
• Nutrition/Food Systems
• Physical Activity
• Worksite wellness
• Healthcare/Healthcare Systems
Click here to read more about, SEVEN STRATEGIES FOR THE SOUTHERN STATES
