Hispanic State Legislators Release Policy Framework for Addressing Obesity

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) today released a whitepaper addressing the national crisis of Hispanic obesity. The paper identifies community-based and state policy options for addressing a health crisis that has reached emergency levels across the United States.

"Among so many policy challenges facing Latinos and America, obesity detracts from longevity, quality of life and productivity," said Senator Iris Y. Martinez, NHCSL President. "Our paper recommends strategies for fighting obesity comprehensively – in schools, community centers, and with opportunities to make interventions available through state programs."

The paper includes recommendations for states based on best practices explored during NHCSL's first ever obesity summit, which occurred in Washington, DC earlier in 2010. "We developed our paper collaboratively – by spending a day with some of the leading voices in obesity, and learning new options from Texas, Mississippi, even internationally," said Senator Luz Acre Ferrer (PR) Chair of NHCSL's health taskforce.

The paper can be found at http://nhcsl.org/Hispanic-Obesity-An-American-Crisis.pdf

About NHCSL

The NHCSL is the premier national association of Hispanic state legislators working to design and implement policies and procedures that will improve the quality of life for Hispanics throughout the country. NHCSL was founded in 1989 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)3 with the mission to be the most effective voice for the more than 300 Hispanic legislators. For more information visit www.nhcsl.org.

SOURCE National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators