Inova Health System, Community Foundation for Northern Virginia to Host Childhood Obesity Summit

Organizations Partner to Reduce Obesity in Northern Virginia Children

Fairfax, Va – (April 21, 2011) – Inova Health System and the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia will partner with schools, governments, non-profits, faith-based entities and businesses throughout the metropolitan area in an effort to reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity.

“Let’s Move the Needle on Childhood Obesity” is an initiative to create strategies that can be easily implemented to encourage a healthy lifestyle while pledging to partner with additional colleagues to eliminate childhood obesity.

“The health of our future starts with the health of our children,” said Knox Singleton, CEO, Inova Health System.  “Between text messaging and play station, our kids are moving their fingers more than they’re exercising their bodies.  What can we do to engage our children in healthy lifestyles?  Let’s Move is one example of how we’re taking a leadership role in engaging our community in health, not just healthcare, starting with our children.”

Let’s Move the Needle on Childhood Obesity will be held on April 29th at The Mason Inn Conference Center and Hotel.  Speakers include:

Knox Singleton, CEO, Inova Health System
Rod Williams, Vice President, Community Affairs, Inova Health System
Eileen Ellsworth, President, Community Foundation for Northern Virginia
Diane Helentjaris, MD, Director, Family Services, Virginia Department of Health
Kevin Vigilante, MD, Vice President, Booz Allen Hamilton
Senator George Barker (D-VA), 39th District, Commonwealth of Virginia
Rev. Henry Brinton, Fairfax Presbyterian Church
Bill Germanokos, Wellness Ambassador, Quest Diagnostics
Jordan Greene, Physical Education Instructor, Springwoods Elementary
Khalid Randolph, Ph.D, Vice President, Programs and Outcomes, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington
Keynote speaker, 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)

“Both Inova and the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia created this partnership to focus our efforts to reduce and, hopefully, one day eliminate childhood obesity in Northern Virginia,” said Eileen Ellsworth, President, Community Foundation for Northern Virginia.  “We look forward to sharing our vision and encourage like-minded organizations to open a dialogue, create an action plan focused on promoting a healthy lifestyle, and reduce obesity among our children.”

Inova Health System and the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia are dedicated to positively impacting the community, committed to moving the needle on childhood obesity.

Both organizations have worked together to design programs and action plans for schools, governments, non-profits, faith-based entities and businesses to help improve the overall health of the community by promoting various initiatives and awareness programs.

About Inova Health System:
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.

About Community Foundation for Northern Virginia:
The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia works to grow philanthropy to help meet the most critical needs of our region. During FY 2010, the Community Foundation awarded $4 million in grants to nonprofits and interfaith groups, awarded $130,000 in scholarships, and reported approximately $30 million in managed assets for grant making.