ALPHARETTA, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep. 24, 2009--
Aetna (NYSE: AET) and Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB) have kicked off
a 12-month statewide multi-media campaign to raise awareness of the
increased risks of childhood obesity.
Funded by a $50,000 grant from the Aetna Foundation, the campaign will
include community health events in Atlanta, Macon, Savannah and
Columbus; a series of television and radio spots; and a 60-minute
television special that will air tonight.
During tonight’s TV special, an expert panel will discuss causes and
solutions to the epidemic of childhood obesity that is plaguing Georgia.
A GPB phone bank and on-line chat will connect viewers with a group of
experts led by the Georgia Department of Community Health.
“With the help of great organizations such as GPB and Aetna, we will
continue to provide educational resources that improve the wellness of
Georgia’s children,” said Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue.
Georgia Public Broadcasting will host a community health event Sept. 26
in Atlanta. Other events are scheduled Oct. 2 in Augusta, Nov. 7 in
Macon and Nov. 14 in Savannah. An additional community health event will
be scheduled in Columbus on a date to be determined.
Dr. Neal Shulman, the real-life “Doc Hollywood” whose story inspired the
1991 Michael J. Fox movie of the same name, will be featured at all of
the events, educating children and their parents about the importance of
healthy lifestyle choices in a fun and entertaining way. He also
produced and is featured in the public service announcements being used
as part of the campaign. Dr. Shulman lives in the Atlanta area and
teaches at Emory University.
"GPB's collaboration with Aetna is one example of how we're fulfilling
our mission of providing programs and services that are enriching to
children and families," said GPB President and Executive Director Teya
Ryan. "We're proud to use all of our media platforms to bring attention
to this important issue."
In 2008 Aetna and the Aetna Foundation awarded community grants and
sponsorships in Georgia totaling $725,000, with a particular focus on
diabetes and related conditions. Year to date for 2009, they have
awarded $596,000 for similar programs. Aetna provides health benefits to
more than 600,000 people in Georgia.
“Obesity is a major health challenge, one that is diminishing the
quality of life of people in our community,” said Cynthia Follmer,
president of Aetna’s Georgia market. “Our children, particularly those
from lower-income families, are particularly at risk. Working with
Georgia Public Broadcasting, we’re committed to doing what we can to get
people thinking about what they can do to combat obesity, and to provide
support as they make the necessary dietary and lifestyle changes.”
According to a National Health and Nutrition survey, 2.7 million U.S.
children are severely obese. The rate of severe childhood obesity has
tripled over the past 25 years, putting increasing numbers of children
at risk for diabetes and heart disease. In Georgia, 24 percent of school
children are obese by the time they enter third grade, according to a
recent report issued by the Department of Human Resources, Division of
Public Health.
About Aetna
Aetna is one of the nation’s leading diversified health care benefits
companies, serving approximately 36.8 million people with information
and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their
health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional and
consumer-directed health insurance products and related services,
including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life and
disability plans, and medical management capabilities and health care
management services for Medicaid plans. Our customers include employer
groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers,
health plans, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor
groups and expatriates. For more information, see www.aetna.com.
Source: Aetna
Aetna
Walt Cherniak, 410-691-1405
cherniakjrw@aetna.com
