Go Healthy Houston History

HISTORY:

The (GO) Healthy Houston Task Force was formed by executive order No. 1-8 on September 17, 2012 to address concerns and increase community awareness related to obesity. The Executive Order acknowledged that obesity is a significant health threat for the City of Houston and is directly associated with increased costs and lower productivity for individuals and companies.

The objectives of the Task Force are to foster within local systems a culture that promotes laws, programs, policies and actions that increase healthier living through the promotion of:

• Equitable access to affordable fresh and local, healthy and nutritious foods; 
• Awareness, knowledge and skills regarding the benefits of locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables, diabetes prevention and chronic disease self-management, and      the provision of healthy meals in our schools; 
• Equitable opportunities for active living, physical activity, and safe built environment for all; and
• Tobacco free environments for all.

“We know obesity is a significant health threat in our city,” said Mayor Parker. “We want to tackle this issue with innovative ideas and thinking to help Houstonians make smart decisions to lead healthy lifestyles, prevent problems before they occur, lower health care costs, and increase productivity and quality of life.”