Contextual assessment of the breadth and level of investments made by prevention initiatives to improve nutrition and prevent obesity in Los Angeles County, 2010-2015.

To better characterize and understand local investments made by prevention initiatives to address poor nutrition and obesity during 2010-2015, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health partnered with an evaluation firm in 2014 to conduct a context scan of nutrition education programs (NEs) and policy, systems, and environmental change interventions (PSEs) in Los Angeles County (LAC). Using fiscal year 2012-2013 (FY12-13) as a midpoint for a before/after comparison based in part on the timeline of the last USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) funding cycle, the scan included both SNAP-Ed and non-SNAP-Ed initiatives. Systematic searches of peer-reviewed and grey literature, relevant organizations' websites and materials, and results from 51 key stakeholder interviews, were completed to help develop a context scan database for LAC.

Evolution in obesity and chronic disease prevention practice in California public health departments, 2010.

Introduction: Local health departments (LHDs) are dedicating resources and attention to preventing obesity and associated chronic diseases, thus expanding their work beyond traditional public health activities such as surveillance. This study investigated practices of local health departments in California to prevent obesity and chronic disease.

Methods: We conducted a web-based survey in 2010 with leaders in California's LHDs to obtain diverse perspectives on LHDs' practices to prevent obesity and chronic disease.

Increasing physical activity in under-resourced communities through school-based, joint-use agreements, Los Angeles County, 2010-2012.

Introduction: Few studies have examined how joint-use agreements between schools and communities affect use of school facilities after hours for physical activity in under-resourced communities. The objective of this study was to assess whether these agreements can increase community member use of these opened spaces outside of school hours.

Methods: Trained observers conducted school site observations after joint-use agreements were implemented in 7 Los Angeles County school districts.

Salud Tiene Sabor: a model for healthier restaurants in a Latino community.

Background: The prevalence of overweight and obesity in children has risen nationally in recent decades, and is exceptionally high in low-income communities of color such as South Los Angeles CA. Independently owned restaurants participating in the Salud Tiene Sabor program at ethnic foods marketplace Mercado La Paloma in South Los Angeles are responding to the childhood obesity crisis by posting calories for menu items and providing nutrition information to patrons.

Purpose: To evaluate whether menu labeling and nutrition information at point of purchase have an influence on availability of healthy food options, patron awareness of calorie information, and restaurant owners' support of the program.

The Central California Regional Obesity Prevention Program: changing nutrition and physical activity environments in California's heartland.

The goals of the Central California Regional Obesity Prevention Program (CCROPP) are to promote safe places for physical activity, increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables, and support community and youth engagement in local and regional efforts to change nutrition and physical activity environments for obesity prevention. CCROPP has created a community-driven policy and environmental change model for obesity prevention with local and regional elements in low-income, disadvantaged ethnic and rural communities in a climate of poor resources and inadequate infrastructure. Evaluation data collected from 2005-2009 demonstrate that CCROPP has made progress in changing nutrition and physical activity environments by mobilizing community members, engaging and influencing policymakers, and forming organizational partnerships.

Local public health departments in California: changing nutrition and physical activity environments for obesity prevention.

The purpose of this research was to assess California public health departments capacity, practices, and resources for changing nutrition and physical activity environments for obesity prevention. The researchers surveyed key public health department personnel representing all 61 health departments in California using a Web-based survey tool. The response rate for the survey was 62 percent.

Health care providers' perceived role in changing environments to promote healthy eating and physical activity: baseline findings from health care providers participating in the healthy eating, active communities program.

Background: The California Endowment's Healthy Eating, Active Communities program was designed to reduce disparities in the incidence of obesity by improving food and physical-activity environments for low-income children. It was recognized at the outset that to succeed, the program needed support from community advocates. Health care providers can be effective advocates to mobilize community members and influence policy makers.

Does leadership training make a difference? The CDC/UC Public Health Leadership Institute: 1991-1999.

Public health leadership development programs have proliferated since the release of the Institute of Medicine's call for strengthened public health leadership. Little has been documented, however, about the impact of these programs. This article presents results of an eight-year retrospective evaluation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/University of California Public Health Leadership Institute, the nation's first year-long leadership development program serving senior public health leaders.