In December 2006 Alegent Health and OHCP co-sponsored a “Decision Accelerator,” a rapid decision making model that brought together key stakeholders. During two days, more than 75 community constituents participated in passionate dialogue and strategic planning focused on what our area should do to fight the growing epidemic of childhood obesity in the next decade. At the end of the two days, the participants crafted this shared vision

“By 2011, all Omaha children will achieve measurable improvements in nutrition, physical activity, and healthy living supported by community collaboration and the environments in which they live.”

Six areas of focus, or “planks,” were identified and specific strategies and implementation timelines were drafted. Six plank committees were formed to implement these plank goals:

• Evaluation of the problem
• Improving physical environments
• Encouraging physical activity
• Teaching nutrition
• Gathering funding and resources
• Creating social marketing