FEEDBACK, TESTIMONIALS AND ENDORSEMENTS
By all accounts, the TRIUMPH events were a success. Nearly 90 percent of participants across all seven cities ranked the events either “good” or “excellent.”Many participants from local health and wellness programs later reported to ACFN that they had made new connections at the events or uncovered new resources beneficial to the pursuit of their missions. For instance, a program in Chicago called Common Threads said a number of after-school coordinators they met at the Chicago TRIUMPH event became involved in their program shortly thereafter, increasing its reach and its ability to impact more children.
Here is what people have to say about the TRIUMPH series, its effort to highlight innovative local programs promoting health and wellness, and the importance of this document in sharing those observations with others.
“The TRIUMPH series is evidence that ACFN is committed to uncovering sustainable solutions in the fight against obesity, and we’re delighted the commitment of Oklahomans was among those highlighted.”
Terry Cline, Oklahoma Secretary of Health
“Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee is a national leader on the obesity issue, so we were delighted that the our great state’s many innovative initiatives were among those highlighted by ACFN in the TRIUMPH series.”
Joe Quinn, director of policy, Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee
“It is no surprise to anyone that obesity is a growing problem in this country, but what may be a surprise is the growing number of creative initiatives out there fighting this epidemic. From big cities to small towns, TRIUMPH spotlighted some of the individuals and communities that are stepping up to the challenge of making our country a healthier place, and I applaud the great work that is being done. We have learned a lot from the TRIUMPH events, and I believe ACFN has created a spark that will inspire others to step up in the fight against obesity.”
Kate Coler, deputy undersecretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
“We are delighted any time a national organization chooses to highlight the good work taking place in Philadelphia communities. Our city is committed to improving the health of our citizens and are proud to be a source of learning and information for other cities that share that commitment.”
Mayor John F. Street, Philadelphia, PA
“TRIUMPH illustrated that each and every one of us can be a leader for fitness, first within ourselves then in our communities. You don’t have to be an elected official or a CEO to begin creating a healthier community … we all have the capacity to be a change agent.”
Phil Haberstro, executive director, National Association for Health and Fitness; member, ACFN Advisory Board
“TRIUMPH uncovered what’s really working at the grassroots level in the fight against obesity. This report is an excellent resources for other community leaders who can learn from what ACFN found.”
Mary Lee Chin, M.S., R.D., Nutrition Edge; member, ACFN Advisory Board
“As a moderator of one of the TRIUMPH events, I observed first-hand the value of successful programs sharing their knowledge and experiences. This report captures some of the best programs we found, so dedicated professionals and volunteers across the country can continue on their goal to increase the nutritional and fitness wellness of their communities. “
Al Barrocas, M.D., surgeon; member, ACFN Advisory Board
“The best place to look for success in the fight against obesity is in communities where that fight is taking place every day. That is what the TRIUMPH series did. With this report, others can benefit from what ACFN observed.”
Cecilia Pozo Fileti, M.S., R.D., F.A.D.A., C.P. Fileti Associates, Inc.; member, ACFN Advisory Board
“The TRIUMPH series uncovered excellent work happening for health and wellness in communities across the nation, particularly amid African-American and other populations at higher health risks. The best of those examples are included here.”
Sharon Cox, M.S., R.D., CDE, Parkland Health & Hospital
System, Bluitt Flowers Health Center,
member, ACFN Advisory Board
“Through work such as the TRIUMPH series, ACFN has demonstrated its commitment to sustainable solutions to America’s obesity trend. This report demonstrates what ACFN found — the ways everyday Americans are working to curb that trend.”
Barbara Brandt, chair, American Dietetic Association Foundation
“By looking at what is working across the country, it becomes clear that even small efforts can make big changes. I was inspired by the great number of successful programs out there and I am confident that by sharing these success stories we will encourage others to start on the same path for their communities.”
Judy
Young, Ph.D., vice president of programs, American Alliance for Health,
Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, member, ACFN Advisory Board
“The overwhelming message that came out of the TRIUMPH events was that you must combine activity and nutrition to be successful. When you start at an early age, children take these values and integrate them into a lifestyle of healthy living, and that is what we are striving for. I was thrilled to see what was taking place in the seven communities we focused on — what was working and why — and we gathered a wealth of valuable information that will serve to improve the health of many others across the nation.”
Jim Hill, Ph.D., co-founder, America on the Move; member, ACFN Advisory Board