March 14, 2015
TAMPA, FL – Polk and Manatee Counties, along with the cities of Bradenton, Lakeland and Winter Haven, all served by the Health Council of West Central Florida (HCWCF), were crowned as Champions by Florida’s Surgeon General for initiating Programs to reach healthy weights for their residents.
“We are very proud of the efforts these cities and counties in our service area are taking to increase physical activity and improve nutrition as part of the 2016 Health Weight Community Champions”, says Teresa Kelly, Executive Director. They are in a select group of 80 jurisdictions and local governments throughout Florida chosen after submitting descriptions of their policies and programs to the Surgeon General. “The two counties and three cities were recognized for making healthy choices the last two years as well, and Manatee County was also recognized in 2014”, Kelly says. “Getting to, and maintaining, healthy weight is a foundation for helping prevent many diseases,” she adds, “and it’s very encouraging to see good habits forming with lifestyle practices that build environments where the healthy choice is the easiest choice,” says Kelly.
The Health Council of West Central Florida (HCWCF) is a private, non-profit agency that represents the concerns of health care consumers, providers and purchasers at the local level. HCWCF provides comprehensive assessment, planning and advisory services to meet the health related needs of the public, non-profit and governmental agencies. The Health Council provides education and public dialogue on health challenges facing our community. HCWCF serves residents in Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee and Polk Counties.