|
March 5, 2010
Contact: Jason Llorenz
202-434-8070
STATE LEGISLATORS SET TO CONVENE NATIONAL SUMMIT ON HISPANIC OBESITY
LAW MAKERS GATHER IN WASHINGTON TO BUILD POLICY SOLUTIONS TO THE NATIONAL CRISIS OF HISPANIC OBESITY
Washington, D.C. (Mar 5th) – The National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL), will hold a national legislative summit on Hispanic obesity, Friday, April 9th from 10AM-2PM at the Marriot Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, D.C. The summit gathers Hispanic state legislators in a working meeting focused on identifying a comprehensive policy framework to address the crisis afflicting Latino communities across America.
“Hispanic obesity and its health consequences are at crisis proportions. In at least 11 states, Hispanic obesity is more than 30% higher than the average. This means higher rates of diabetes, stroke, cancer and earlier death – with broad economic and social consequences for families,” said Senator Iris Y. Martinez (IL.), NHCSL President.
The summit continues NHCSL’s national effort to address Latino health disparities. The national obesity crisis has far-reaching consequences as states struggle to cover health care costs driven up by obesity-related illnesses for all communities. Those illnesses cost states billions of dollars annually and hinder economic growth, lower life expectancy and even affect less obvious activities, such as military recruiting.
The Summit will feature national leaders in public health, medicine and research working with Hispanic state legislators from across the country to build a comprehensive solution to the crisis. Legislators will identify frameworks and tools to enhance public awareness of nutrition and health eating, identify policies that lead to better health outcomes and lowered morbidity, and strategies for proactively combating childhood obesity.
# # #
The NHCSL is the premier national association of Hispanic state legislators working to design and implement policies and procedures that will improve the quality of life for Hispanics throughout the country. NHCSL was founded in 1989 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)3 with the mission to be the most effective voice for the more than 300 Hispanic legislators. For more information visit www.nhcsl.org. |
