FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mayor receives Leadership for Healthy Communities Award

COLUMBIA, MO (May 11, 2009) - Columbia Mayor Darwin Hindman, along with New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom and Chattanooga Mayor Claude Ramsey, received a Leadership for Healthy Communities Award at the Leadership for Healthy Communities Childhood Obesity Prevention Summit in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, May 7.

Kathleen Novak, president of the National League of Cities, presented the award to Mayor Hindman. Mayor Hindman was cited for his leadership in establishing policies that encourage active living among the entire population and in particular among school age children.

“I am extremely proud of this award. It brings national recognition to Columbia as a healthy place to live. Childhood obesity is a serious health issue of epidemic proportions in this country with enormous personal and economic costs. It is leading to serious chronic diseases including diabetes and heart conditions, but it can be prevented with more activity and better nutrition habits for the kids. To be recognized as a national leader in the effort is an extreme honor,” said Hindman.

Columbia has received several grants from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, sponsor of the summit, including several healthy eating and active living initiatives to partnerships led by the PedNet Coalition.

Leaders of several participation national organizations attended the ceremonies, including the U.S. Conference of Mayors, National League of Cities, National Conference of State Legislators and others.

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