Description

Childhood obesity remains a pressing public health challenge, particularly in underserved regions. This presentation explores how strategic partnerships and youth-focused running programs can serve as powerful tools to combat this epidemic. Attendees will examine the measurable impact of two community-based running initiatives on youth health outcomes and engagement. Through a review of best practices, the session will highlight effective models for implementing running programs in community, recreational, and school settings. Finally, the presentation will delve into the role of cross-sector collaborations—among agencies, schools, nonprofits, and local governments—in amplifying the reach and sustainability of obesity prevention efforts. Participants will leave with actionable insights to foster strategic alliances and promote active lifestyles among youth.

Expiration Date: 02/17/2028

What You Will Learn

Upon successful completion of this activity, you will be able to:

Identify historical trends in obesity prevalence among U.S. children and the contributing factors
Determine the impact two youth running programs have on Northwest Louisiana.
Develop an understanding of running program best practices for community, recreational, and/or school settings.
Explore how strategic collaborations can enhance public health initiatives.

Faculty Bios

Shelley Armstrong, PhD, MAT, MCHES

Dr. Armstrong is Associate Dean of Student Success in the College of Health Sciences and Public Policy at Walden University. As Director of Public Health Practice & Continuing Education, she oversees approval of affiliation and learning agreements, supports complex student cases, and provides leadership support to the Field Experience Office. As Director of Continuing Education, Dr. Armstrong oversees accredited professional development programs as an approved provider for both NCHEC and CPH, to ensure all offerings meet national competency standards, maintain compliance with credentialing requirements, and support the ongoing growth of the public health workforce through high‑quality continuing education opportunities. Other responsibilities include program assessment, faculty mentorship, course development, academic program reviews, curriculum and policy reviews, and, most importantly, helping develop students into health professionals. She has been with Walden since 2010.

Prior to joining Walden, Dr. Armstrong served as Department Chair of Health and Exercise Science at another college, receiving the American Alliance of Health, P.E., Recreation and Dance’s Young Professional Leadership award. She also helped implement Partners in Wellness, a cancer prevention program for the underserved population in northwest Louisiana. As a Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) and running coach, Dr. Armstrong founded YOUth FIT and Kids on the Run, community programs that mentor kids in achieving and maintaining fitness. Her research interests include college health and wellness, athletes and depression, youth fitness, exercise adherence, cancer prevention, and online pedagogy. She has led a national radio tour on childhood obesity and family fitness, published in the American Journal of Health Education and the Journal of Physical Activity and Health, and she is a frequent presenter at national and international conferences on health education priorities for online learners. In 2021, Dr. Armstrong received the ATHENA International Leadership Award from her local Chamber of Commerce.

Accreditation

Accreditation Statement

Walden University is a designated provider (ID# 123343) of continuing education contact hours (CECH) in health education by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc.

Walden University is an approved provider of CPH recertification credits by the National Board of Public Health Examiners.

Walden University College of Nursing is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development through the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. Provider Unit P0469.

*While professional development activities offered by an American Nurses Credentialing Center Provider Unit typically satisfy the requirements of most states, Walden University recommends that participants ensure that the content offered meets their individual requirements. To the extent that contact hours must be approved within one’s state of residence or licensure, participants should check with their state board of nursing before enrolling in any professional development activity. The state board of nursing determines the number and type of contact hours that can be claimed for professional development activities.

Disclosure

The planners and presenters of this continuing professional development activity have disclosed no financial interests and no receipt of in-kind materials or funding that could influence the planning or presentation of this content.

ADA Accommodation Statement

If you need accommodations to attend this webinar, please e-mail [email protected].

Awards

CPH Certificate for CE Hours

NCHEC Certificate for CE Hours

ANCC Certificate for Contact Hours

$0.00

Add to favorites

All Level
1 CE
Estimated 1-Hour Workload
Accessible for 180 days but no later than the expiration date

WALH1021 - Advancing Public Health Practice Strategic Partnerships to Outrun Childhood Obesity