August 28, 2008
Oregon Legislators Identify Obesity as Key Issue
Workshop brings lawmakers, minorities together to address epidemic
PORTLAND - With nearly a quarter of adults in Oregon considered overweight or obese and with the seventh highest rate of childhood obesity in the nation, Oregon legislators recognize now is the time to address hunger, nutrition and obesity. And as the state’s demographics change, policymakers are reaching out to ethnic minorities and low-income communities that face a higher risk of diabetes and other conditions associated with being overweight.
In this effort, the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) in partnership with the Immigrant and Refugee Center of Oregon (IRCO) is convening a workshop on Sept. 5 in Portland to link state legislators with minority and immigrant communities to identify promising practices and specific activities that will reduce the number of overweight and obese Oregonians.
“Oregon—and the nation—is in the midst of an obesity epidemic,” said Senate President Pro Tem Margaret Carter. “We’re reaching out to all of the underserved communities including refugee and immigrant groups, African-Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans to identify ways we can, together, reduce the incidents of diabetes and heart disease in Oregon residents.”
Sen. Carter is co-sponsoring the meeting entitled “Obesity and Nutrition/Promising Practices for Diverse Communities” along with NCSL and IRCO. Kate Houston, deputy undersecretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Division, is giving the keynote address. Her speech will cover federal efforts including newly authorized food and nutrition programs.
As many states, including Oregon, grapple with budget constraints that are further burdened with rising health care costs, lawmakers want to promote strategies that prevent chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Obesity is a precursor to a host of such conditions. Children are particularly vulnerable, not only to developing chronic conditions such as diabetes, but also to maturing into overweight and obese adults.
NCSL is the bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staff of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.
###
|
