Get Healthy San Mateo County Task Force
(Formerly known as the Prevention of Childhood Obesity Task
Force)
History
In May 2004, Supervisor Rose Jacobs Gibson and the San Mateo County Health
Department convened a Healthy Communities Summit to identify local health
disparities and develop a plan to reduce them. After a thorough review
of the data and follow-up meetings, participants identified the prevention
of childhood obesity as one of its three main health concerns. In April
2005, the Get Healthy San Mateo County (GHSMC) Task Force was formed.
This group spent the following year planning and developing, the Blueprint
for Prevention of Childhood Obesity: A Call to Action, to serve as a guide
and tool for community members and leaders.
Task Force Adopts New Name
In an effort to ensure that the name of the Task Force represents the
work of this collaborative, an initiative was led by Task Force members
to change the name of the San Mateo County Prevention of Childhood Obesity
(PCO) Task Force. Several names were proposed to the Advisory Council
that emphasized promoting healthy communities. The Advisory Council selected
Get Healthy San Mateo County (GHSMC) Task Force as the new name. The entire
Task Force adopted this name during the December 10, 2008 Task Force meeting.
Priority Areas
The GHSMC Task Force identified five priority areas: Healthcare, Preschool/Child
Care Services, After-school Programs, Schools, and Community/Environment.
In the first year of implementation, nine committees were formed to address
these five priority areas. An Advisory Council oversees the activities
and goals of the nine committees as well as the overall Task Force. The
council which meets bi-monthly, consists of co-chairs from the GHSMC committees
(community partners and Health Department staff).
Funding
opportunity from the Sequoia Health District
|
