Inova Health System, Community Foundation for Northern Virginia to Hold Regional Obesity Summit

**Media Advisory**

Fairfax, VA – (April 26, 2011) — On Friday, April 29, Inova Health System and Community Foundation for Northern Virginia will convene government leaders, non-profits, schools, businesses and faith-based organizations for the regions first Let’s Move the Needle on Childhood Obesity Summit.

The event aims to move the needle on childhood obesity by to encourage partnerships and action plans to reduce obesity in children.

WHAT:
First Annual Let’s Move the Needle on Childhood Obesity Summit

WHEN:
Friday, April 29
8:30 a.m.:  Welcome

Noon: Keynote Address delivered by Sheila C. Johnson, CEO, Salamander Hospitality, Monumental Sports & Entertainment Vice Chairman, President and Managing Partner of WNBA’s Washington Mystics, and Co-Founder Partner of BET (Black Entertainment Television)

2:00 p.m.: Pledge to Act to Reduce Childhood Obesity and Closing Remarks

WHERE:
George Mason University
Mason Inn Conference Center and Hotel
4352 Mason Pond Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030

Special guests include Diane Helentjaris, MD, Director, Family Services, Virginia Department of Health; Senator George Barker (D-VA), 39th District; Rev. Henry Brinton, Fairfax Presbyterian Church; Bill Germanokos, Quest Diagnostics Wellness Ambassador; Jordan Greene, Physical Education Instructor, Springwoods Elementary; Khalid Randolph, Ph.D., Vice President, Programs and Outcomes, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington.

Let’s Move the Needle on Childhood Obesity will provide valuable information for organizations to create strategies to encourage healthy lifestyles.

Inova Health System and the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia are dedicated to positively impacting the community and will center their partnership on reducing childhood obesity.

Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.