April 2, 2007

The STEPS Consortium Recognized For Best Practice in Texas 2007
Nutrition & Physical Activity Recognition Program

The STEPS Consortium, a coalition consisting of more than 36 area organizations, has been selected as a Best Practice in Texas 2007 Nutrition & Physical Activity Recognition Program by the Texas Department of State Health Services. Co-chaired by the Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services and Diane Pavey of SLEHC, the STEPS consortium has identified obesity, as well as related risk factors of poor nutrition and lack of exercise, as its priority issues of focus.

In spring, 2005, the Steps Consortium responded to these priority issues by applying for funding to implement and support interventions addressing obesity prevention through nutritional and physical activity. The Houston Endowment Inc. awarded the Steps Consortium over $2.4M to carry out a school health program called CATCH (Coordinated Approach to School Health) in 400 Harris County area elementary schools.

Formal Best Practice Award Announcements & Presentations were made at the 2007 Texas Public Health Association (TPHA) Annual Conference: Leading Collaborations and Preparing for Future Health Challenges in Galveston, Texas. To learn more about The Charities nutrition and fitness initiatives, open the Youth, Nutrition & Fitness Initiatives overview now.

Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Nutrition and Physical Activity Best Practice Award
RECEIVING the AWARD Stephanie Jones-Wood, MPH Prevention Specialist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Steps Consortium Coordinator, Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services	PRESENTING the AWARD Mary Guzman, BS, RD, LD Manager, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity Prevention Program Texas Department of State Health Services