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History
In 2008, two large healthy living advocacy groups formed independently of each other. The Childhood Obesity Group was spearheaded by Fargo Cass and Clay County Public Health Departments and MeritCare. The Pioneering Healthier Communities group, led by the YMCA, included several prominent community leaders. The two groups merged to form the Cass Clay Healthy People Initiative.
Healthy People Initiative is a community-wide active living and healthy eating initiative funded by Dakota Medical Foundation. It serves as an umbrella group to coordinate many efforts underway to improve our food and fitness culture and to develop intentional efforts to create new opportunities for healthy change.
In 1990, no state reported obesity rates at or above 20%. By 2006, however, 46 states reported obesity rates above 20%. Nationwide the prevalence of obesity in children aged 6 to 19 tripled from 1980 to 2002. Youth are now suffering from diseases previously known only among adults. For the first time in two centuries, the current generation of children in America may have shorter life expectancies than their parents. About 50% of North Dakotans and Minnesotans do not get the recommended weekly physical activity. Fewer than 25% get the minimum recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
The Initiative's mission is to transform our communities to make it easier for people to eat well and be physically active. The Initiative has set a goal to reduce overweight and obesity for 0-19 year olds by 20% by 2020.
Help us set the stage for a healthier tomorrow - for our community, our children, and our grandchildren!
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