Center for Public Health Nutrition, UW

Mission:

• Advance public health approaches to improve nutrition and physical activity through environmental and policy change;
• Build partnerships and collaborations with practitioners, government agencies and communities;
• Provide technical assistance in the translation of research into policy and practice;
• Shape obesity and chronic disease prevention and reduction efforts

The University of Washington Center for Public Health Nutrition is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of Washington residents through better nutrition and increased physical activity.

 The University of Washington Center for Public Health Nutrition was formed in May 2002 with funds from the Vitamins Settlement granted by the Antitrust Division of the Washington State Attorney General's Office. The Center is housed within the School of Public Health and Community Medicine, and administered through the Nutritional Sciences Program in the Department of Epidemiology.

Faculty and staff at the Center work with public health professionals and faculty in academia, officials from state and local government agencies, advocates in community and advocacy groups, members of professional organizations, and private health practitioners. Activities in service to the community include: conducting research; providing technical assistance; evaluating health policy; and connecting UW students to community needs.

Email Address:
uwcphn@u.washington.edu

Network Involvement:
The Center for Public Health Nutrition became involved with the Washington State Diabetes Network as a result of its work with the Washington State Nutrition and Physical Activity Plan. The purpose of this plan is to provide a framework in which policy makers can work
together to build and support environments that make it easier for Washington residents to choose healthy foods and be physically
active. Creating healthy environments in communities across the state will:

• Slow the increase in the proportion of adults who are obese.

• Reduce rates of chronic disease.

• Improve the quality of life.

The Center supports the implementation of the Nutrition and Physical Activity Plan through technical assistance, program evaluation, and communication activities.