A Houston/Harris County Childhood Obesity Prevention Collaborative 
August 2016  /  Issue No. 44     
In This Issue



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Another successful HLM Collaborative Meeting - Youth and AdvocacyArticle1   
 
HLM had a wonderful 2nd Quarter meeting last month, with over 100 Collaborative members, friends of HLM and youth in attendance. The meeting focused on youth and advocacy to identify ways to effectively engage youth to advance policy and system change described in the HLM Community Action Plan
 
(L to R) Keynote speakers Rep. Jim Murphy and Ricardo Banks II 

The keynote addresses were given by State Representative Jim Murphy and by Ricardo Banks II, followed by a panel covering various youth-engagement perspectives. The panel, moderated by Meghna Tripathy, Teen Advisory Board Member from the Oliver Foundation, included Jovonny Flores, Teen Achiever from the YMCA; Judith Cruz, PTA President for Lantrip Elementary; Kristi Rangel, Public Health Education Chief for My Brother's Keeper; and Rosie McStay, Director of Government Affairs for Texas Children's Hospital.

Youth in attendance represented various organizations such as the Oliver Foundation, YMCA, My Brother's Keeper, YPAC and Houston Greenbelt 

During the second half of the meeting attendees participated in breakout sessions where they got to further discuss opportunities for action around engaging youth in the previously ranked priority policy areas of HLM.

To learn about key action items and other information shared at this meeting,   click here to download a copy of the full meeting highlights.
HLM policies continue to help inform local SHAC priorities WATCH

During the first 2016-2017 Executive Board meeting for the Pasadena ISD School Health Advisory Council (SHAC), the group reviewed the HLM policy priorities that had been selected at the May 2016 SHAC Parent Forum. At the Parent Forum attendees were asked to fill out a priority assessment form which helped inform the work of the Executive Committee.

 
Advisory Board members reviewed the 2015-2016 priorities and the proposed priorities for 2016-2017. On large post-it sheets each member listed the work that should be continued and work to be focused on based on the selected HLM policy priorities. Final Priority Action Items will be announced at the next general meeting on September 6th.

More greenspace coming to Houston!
ITTSummit 
Edited version of a story written and shared by Houston Parks Board.

On Saturday, July 23, Houston Parks Board celebrated the demolition of an abandoned apartment complex along White Oak Bayou Greenway . After demolition is complete, the lot at 5353 DeSoto Street will be transformed into open, public greenspace with access to the White Oak Bayou Greenway trail! This will be a great amenity for the many families that live in the surrounding complexes and for those walking, running or biking along the trail.

 
This is a great example of what can be achieved through partnerships. Houston Parks Board contributed $400,000 to acquire the property; the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, District A Council Member Stardig and COH Housing and Community Development Department also contributed additional funds for acquisition and demolition.

This example also supports HLM Policy Priority P1, which is to support the development and adoption of "Safe Neighborhoods" policies. This policy priority includes eradicating abandoned houses and supporting the ongoing development of safe trails and parks. 
Featured Resource: Voices for Healthy Kids grant opportunitiesFeaturedResource 

Voices for Healthy Kids is pleased to announce two open grant opportunities!  The goal of the grant opportunities within this initiative is to make effective strategic investments in ongoing state, local, and tribal public policy issue campaigns in order to increase public policy impact on healthy weight and living among children. Voices for Healthy Kids is focusing efforts in schools, community, and out-of-school time/early care and education. Learn more and apply here!  
UPCOMING EVENTS Events
    
National Breastfeeding Awareness Month
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HLM-Pasadena Community Task Force Meeting
Thursday, August 18, 2016 from 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Pasadena City Hall, 1211 Southmore Blvd, Pasadena, TX 77502
More information 

Webinar: Youth Engagement - How Kids Can Impact Community Policy, Programs and Planning
Wednesday, August 24, 2016 from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
More information

Webinar: Walk to School Day and Vision Zero-How Cities are Growing Safe Walking & Biking Options
Tuesday, August 30, 2016 from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
More information

Webinar: Thriving Cities - Building a Culture of Health Where We Live, Learn Work and Play

Friday, September 9, 2016 from 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
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Tour de Northside
Saturday, September 17, 2016 starting at 8:00 AM
Bike ride starting at Workforce Solutions, 4424 North Freeway, Houston, TX 77022
More information

To view more events, visit our Calendar of Events webpage