Who We Are

Since 1999, the Thomas Jefferson Health District has spearheaded the Childhood Obesity Task Force (COTF) serving Charlottesville, Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson counties, Virginia, to address the prevention and treatment of overweight among children.

Our mission is to create a supportive community that fosters healthy weight and overall fitness for children and their families.

COTF membership includes representatives from health care, education, recreation and human service organizations:

  • Health: Doctors, nurses, dietitians, and health educators affiliated with Martha Jefferson Hospital, University of Virginia Health System, and Thomas Jefferson Health District/WIC
  • Schools/Education: Physical education teachers and nutrition service personnel from Charlottesville City Schools, Albemarle county Schools, Fluvanna County Schools; professors and program coordinators from the University of Virginia
  • Community agencies: Directors and program coordinators from the Alliance of Community Choice in Transportation, Boys and Girls Club, Boy Scouts of America, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Camp Holiday Trails, and Jefferson Area Board for Aging (JABA)
  • Recreation: Directors and program specialists from Charlottesville Parks and Recreation, Nelson County Parks and Recreation, ACAC, YMCA
  • General Public: parents, parish nurses, UVA students
 Service Regions:

Charlottesville, VA
Albemarle County, VA
Fluvanna County, VA
Louisa County, VA
Green County, VA
Nelson County, VA

Area Map

Our Accomplishments

Since its inception in 1999, the Childhood Obesity Task Force has:

healthy shakes
  • Presented data and recommendations to the Charlottesville City School Board. (’01)
  • Convened a summit on Childhood Obesity and Health for Charlottesville City school personnel and parents. (’01)
  • Collaborated with 14 area schools in Charlottesville, Albemarle, Fluvanna, Louisa and Nelson to implement projects that address physical activity and/or nutrition. (’01-present)
  • Collected and analyzed height and weight data among public schools. (’01-present)
  • Administered and analyzed results of a physical activity preference survey conducted among over 900 fifth through eighth graders. (’01-’02)
  • Conducted a free clinic for overweight children staffed by volunteer health professionals. (’02-‘03)
  • Organized and conducted several professional development programs around the issue of childhood overweight and its prevention for health care, school, childcare and area human service personnel. (’02 – present)
  • Lobbied and served on a committee that developed recommendations for vending machine accessible to students in Albemarle County Schools. (’03)
  • Developed and disseminated a Healthy Snack Pyramid handout for area schools. (’03)
  • Supplied data and supported submission of the Carol M. White Physical Education in Progress (PEP) grant by two local school divisions, both of which received funding. (’03)
  • Provided interviews for more than 25 different media exposures (TV, radio and newspaper)around overweight in children as a local issue. (’00-present)
  • Award outstanding projects in health, physical activity or nutrition at the Piedmont Regional Science Fair. (’04-’06)
  • Created a funding process for schools and community groups to secure grants that promote physical activity and nutrition among children. (’04-present)
  • Instituted a scholarship for overweight children who need financial assistance to participate in a program that promotes physical activity and/or healthy eating.(’06-present)
  • Presented at over 30 local, state and national meetings and training seminars. (’00-present)
  • Developed a Youth Physical Activity Resource Guide listing opportunities by activity for children across Planning District 10. (’07)
  • Piloting a Family Health and Fitness camp for overweight children and their families in September 07.
2007 Childhood Obesity Task Force