Media Advisory

Sept. 8, 2010

Community members sought to help improve local health

Volunteers needed to help organize activities, events related to health summit

WHAT:           Planning meeting for the first annual Appalachian Health Summit to Reverse and Prevent Chronic Disease

WHO:             Community members, civic leaders, health professionals, educators, business owners, parents, students—anyone who would like to contribute time, talent, energy, and enthusiasm to planning and implementing activities and events as part of the May 2011 summit and related community initiatives.

WHEN:          Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2010, 7 p.m.

WHERE:        Athens Community Center (refreshments will be served)

WHY:             In a true grassroots effort, Athens community members are taking control of their health in a new initiative called Live Healthy Appalachia. The purpose of the initiative is to develop a series of events by and for community members designed to educate, inspire and move individuals and organizations to act on behalf of good health. The cornerstone event of the initiative is the first annual Appalachian Health Summit to Reverse and Prevent Chronic Disease in Appalachia, to be held in Athens May 19 – 21.

                        Event organizers need volunteers to help plan and develop activities related to the summit and the many other activities suggested during initial planning meetings. Volunteers are sought for the following committees:

·                 Veggie Fest

·                 Healthy Dining Choices

·                 Healthy Lifestyle Programs

·                 Exercise and Recreation for All

·                 Community and Environmental Health

·                 Healthy Shopping and Cooking

·                 Gardening

·                 Healthy Kid Stuff

The mission of Live Healthy Appalachia is to improve the health and well-being of individuals and organizations in the Appalachian region. Partners include community organizers, the city of Athens, the Ohio University College of Health Sciences and Professions and the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. www.appalachianhealthsummit.com

Contact: Tom Kostohryz, Summit Committee Coordinator, at summit2011@hotmail.com or 740-541-1944