NRPA joins forces with US Department of Health and Human Services to improve our nation's health - Rec Room - National Recreation and Park Association - Brief Article

Parks & Recreation, April, 2002

Even though more than 300,000 people die each year in the United States from conditions related to an inactive lifestyle, many Americans still find it hard to get moving and to be even moderately active for the recommended 30 minutes a day for adults and 60 minutes for children. On February 26, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) joined forces with the National Recreation and Parks Association to get Americans moving for health.

"We've done the studies, and we have the numbers," said Dr. Eve Slater, Assistant Secretary for Health, whose office established the federal government's health goals and objectives for the next decade (Healthy People 2010). "Physical activity tops the list of the leading health indicators we've identified. We know a sedentary lifestyle contributes to serious chronic health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and overweight and obesity. And we know we need to get Americans moving for health. But the federal government can't do it alone."

The partnership commits Dr. Slater and other agencies within the Department to meet quarterly with NRPA leaders and staff over the next year to discuss programs, products and services aimed at increasing physical activity and reducing overweight/obesity nationwide. NRPA President Marvin Billups, CPRP, represented NRPA at the signing the Memorandum of Understanding that establishes this partnership. Other signatories within the Department of Health and Human Services are Dr. Woodie Kessel, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health (Disease Prevention and Health Promotion); Lisa Oliphant, executive director of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (PCPFS); Dr. Claude Lenfant, director, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (National Institutes of Health) (NIH); Dr. Allen Spiegel, director, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIH); and Mr. Donald Shriber, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Washington Office.

The broad constituency of NRPA places the organization in a unique position to promote the objectives of Healthy People 2010. "Our unique blend of grassroots support, from local government agencies to nonprofit advocacy foundations, from state and national parks to private citizens, educators, and recreation professionals, has made a resounding impact on the health and fitness of all Americans," said Marvin Billups, NPRA President. "We are delighted to coordinate our ongoing efforts with the Department of Health and Human Services and its various agencies to further NRPA's mission to improve the quality of life for all Americans."

The purpose of the partnership is to improve public health by encouraging physical activity, reducing overweight/obesity, and improving the health of communities including children, families, and seniors by means of programs, products and services that aim to:

-- Prevent chronic disease factors associated with physical inactivity and obesity;

-- Reduce environmental barriers to physical activity at the community level nationwide, including barriers for the disabled;

-- Enhance access and opportunities for increased physical activity;

-- Increase,levels of physical activity among youth and adults;

-- Reduce levels of obesity in youth and adults.

The development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the National Recreation and Park Association and organizations within the Department of Health and Human Services supports President George W. Bush's initiative to develop private/public partnerships to help achieve government objectives. The partnership obligates no funds from either party and may be renewed after one year by common consent.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has also formed partnerships with the American Heart Association, the American Medical Association, and the American Public Health Association to promote the objectives of Healthy People 2010 and increase public awareness of the Leading Health Indicators. These indicators are physical activity, overweight and obesity, tobacco use, substance abuse, responsible sexual behavior, mental health, injury and violence, environmental quality, immunization, and access to health care.