In addition to the winner of our individual award, we are also proud to announce the winner of the Texas Health Champion award for an organization, Tu Salud ¡Si Cuenta!
This collaborative of passionate health enthusiasts, led by a team from the Brownsville Regional Campus of The University of Texas School of Public Health, has worked together alongside the City of Brownsville in combating the high obesity rates found in the region.
Tu Salud ¡Sí Cuenta! was created as a response to the obesity crisis facing the Rio Grande Valley. When researchers with The University of Texas School of Public Health found that 80% of Brownsville residents were overweight or obese, they knew that in order to properly address the problem they would need something bold and comprehensive. They would need to create a movement within the community to identify evidence-based solutions that would work for Brownsville.
These solutions include creating and managing a county-wide media campaign, establishing a farmers’ market, starting a community garden program, running an annual weight loss competition, opening streets for pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy, and supporting policies and infrastructure that encourage healthy lifestyles. The impact of the collaborative efforts, including the Tu Salud ¡Sí Cuenta! campaign, on the City of Brownsville and the surrounding region has been nothing short of transformational.
In 2014, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation recognized the efforts taking place in Brownsville with their Culture of Health Prize.
Brownsville Director of Public Health Department, Arturo Rodriguez says: “Their work has particularly enhanced my own program in that it provides support for work in the less traditional areas of a city health department by emphasizing prevention, and creating an environment where our citizens understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle.”
The City of Brownsville appreciates the efforts behind the Tu Salud ¡Si Cuenta! collaborative. Community leader Sister Phylis Peters says that several people within Tu Salud ¡Si Cuenta! have “organized various groups and through their talents, charisma, and professionalism, they gathered people around them to accomplish things that others could not do in months.”
We invite you to join us in celebration and recognition of the collaborative's efforts on September 15th at the Texas Health Champion award ceremony. Event details and registration can be found at texasobesityweek.org
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