By Adam Becker, PhD, MPH

As we emerge from a year of unprecedented challenges and look forward to our plans for 2021, we at CLOCC first and foremost offer our sympathy and condolences to those who have lost a loved one during – or because of – the Coronavirus pandemic and have had to cope with that loss without the healing closeness of family and friends. You are in our thoughts.

As the global COVID-19 pandemic first took hold, it seemed that a focus on childhood obesity would be pushed to the margins of our local and national agendas. Yet, as data emerged about the virus, its consequences, and the inequities related to both infection and resulting illness, it became quickly apparent that the obesity epidemic and the global pandemic were intrinsically linked. Obesity is understood to be one of the most, significant risk factors for serious illness or death resulting from COVID-19. What’s more, the same upstream factors that contribute to inequities in obesity prevalence (structural racism, poverty, poor access to health and social services) were clearly also driving inequities in COVID-19 rates. Our concern that COVID-19 mitigation efforts would require that we put CLOCC’s obesity-prevention work on hold soon evolved into an understanding that we had to redouble our efforts. Our network would be called up on to support constituents’ ability to eat healthy and stay active when the economy, the food system, and the institutions that serve children (schools, childcare, parks) were shutting down.

I have been immensely impressed by the resilience demonstrated across our network in 2020. Partners, staff, colleagues, funders and other stakeholders have exhibited boundless flexibility and furious determination in responding to the pandemic. I look forward to the day when, with the pandemic in the rearview mirror, we can reflect upon and celebrate the immeasurable examples of our public health field rising to this inauspicious occasion and adapting to meet the COVID-19 challenges that shook our city, our state, and our nation.

Early in the pandemic, CLOCC staff surveyed the network to develop an understanding of partner needs and concerns as we adjusted to our new realities. Based on that feedback, we added a COVID-19 resources section to our bi-weekly newsletter, followed soon thereafter by “CLOCC – Healthy at Home,” a collection of health and wellness tips based on 5-4-3-2-1 Go!® and promoted via social media and the newsletter. Our Kohl’s Cares®-funded work in and around Chicago Park District summer camps in the city’s south and west sides was expanded to include “Stay Fit Kits” that could be distributed to local families and used to support physical activity and nutrition at home. As Chicago Public Schools continued with remote learning, we took the step of creating “CLOCC – Healthy at Home for CPS” – a comprehensive library of online tools and health resources, cultivated to assist educators with supporting their students’ food and physical activity needs through the pandemic.

What's ahead in 2021? Click here to read the full text of CLOCC's New Year's Message.

As the Community Food Access Manager, my role supports screening patient families for food insecurity and manages programs that aim to alleviate barriers to food access. By documenting the rate of food insecurity and providing healthy food resources, these programs aim to address the hunger-obesity paradox facing our patient population.

With my background as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), my role at CLOCC provides an opportunity to apply my knowledge of healthcare systems to neighborhood-based initiatives. After working as a clinician treating patients suffering from the ill effects of obesity, it’s empowering to now work on programs that focus on obesity prevention.

What is one thing you wish our partners knew about your efforts? 

Food access and nutrition education involves a wide range of partners. I’m always interested in learning more and finding ways to collaborate on similar efforts happening around our city.

As a new dog owner, you’ll find me out walking every day, rain or shine!

I’m a planner at heart, so I’ve added a wellness routine to my daily calendar. This helps me maintain a sense of normalcy and ensures that I take the time to fuel my mental and physical health.

The Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children (CLOCC) will stand in support with over 300 organizations nationwide as Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-California) introduces The Improving Social Determinants of Health Act of 2021 to Congress in the new session. A carryover of the Improving SDOH Act of 2020, This legislation empowers public health departments and community organizations to act as chief health strategists in their communities and lead efforts to convene partners across sectors to build integrated systems. This bill is an important step to addressing inequities in health. Visit Trust for America's Health for more information.

Additionally, if you would like to contact a social worker, psychologist or child life specialist for information on community referrals or coping resources, you can call (312) 227-4118 and leave a message. Your call will be returned within 24 hours, Monday through Friday.

NEW! A virtual townhall this Thursday, January 7, will feature leading Black health, faith, and social organizations looking to address questions and concerns about the COVID-19 vaccines, and protecting Black communities. 6:00 - 7:30 PM CT. Download the flyer or tune in at http://Youtube.com/BlackDoctorOrg.