We are requesting your comments and suggestions on the draft Ohio Obesity Prevention Plan by February 20, 2009

February 9, 2009

Dear Ohioans:

It is well understood that the obesity epidemic is one of today’s most pressing public health issues. Recognizing this major health threat, Governor Ted Strickland issued a directive to the Ohio Department of Health’s Office of Healthy Ohio to create a comprehensive obesity prevention plan for the state. A draft action plan is now available on the Healthy Ohio web-site at http://www.healthyohioprogram.org/ for your review.

We are requesting your comments and suggestions on the draft Ohio Obesity Prevention Plan by February 20, 2009. Comments may be submitted in writing through the Office of Healthy Ohio Website or by attending a public hearing on February 20, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The hearing will be held in the Rhodes State Office Tower, 30 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio, first floor lobby hearing room. Additional details are available at the Healthy Ohio Web site: http://www.healthyohioprogram.org/ After the public comment period, a final recommendation will be submitted to Governor Strickland.

The draft Ohio Obesity Prevention Plan was developed with guidance and contributions from numerous state agencies through the newly created Interagency Executive Committee on Health Investment Strategies, input from public survey responses and expert opinion and consideration of multiple state and national recommendations for obesity prevention strategies.

A consistent theme throughout this plan is the role of the state’s diverse agencies and programs in leading and collaborating with others to comprehensively address the issue of obesity. A great deal of work is already underway in communities, health care settings, schools and workplaces. Several organizations have developed, or are developing, proposals that also address the issue of obesity or the value of healthier living. The state’s comprehensive plan recognizes and seeks to maximize those efforts by proposing objectives and strategies that contribute the state’s role to promoting health and providing the tools necessary to achieve wellness.

The plan identifies the lead and partner state agencies for each objective, but recognizes and anticipates working with associations, local communities and agencies, private sector representatives and others to further develop the action plan and move each objective forward. By working together and following these proposed strategies, we can reach the goal of reversing the growth rate in the prevalence of obesity among Ohioans by 2014.

Again, please go to http://www.healthyohioprogram.org/ for additional details on the hearing or to submit your feedback in writing. You may also call 614.466.1663 if you have questions.

We appreciate your thoughtful review and look forward to working with you to create a healthier Ohio.

Sincerely,

Alvin D. Jackson, M.D.

Director of the Department of Health

Sincerely,

Cynthia Burnell

Director of Healthy Ohio