BPC to Hold Forum on Institutions That Impact America's Eating Habits and Promote Workplace Wellness on February 23 & 24

Secretaries Dan Glickman, Mike Leavitt, Donna E. Shalala, Ann M. Veneman Co-Chair the Bipartisan Policy Center's Nutrition and Physical Activity Initiative

WASHINGTON, Feb. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Is the food served at our hospitals, hotels, schools, workplaces, movie theatres and sports venues helping to keep Americans healthy? What are the major factors in creating successful workplace wellness programs? These questions will be the focus of a two-day forum hosted by the Bipartisan Policy Center's Nutrition and Physical Activity Initiative on Thursday, February 23, from 10:00AM to 4:00PM and Friday, February 24, 9:00AM to 2:15PM at the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) in Washington, D.C.

This two-day forum is part of the BPC's year-long effort to enhance physical activity and nutritional opportunities for all Americans. Led by a bipartisan group of four former U.S. cabinet secretaries, the initiative brings together key stakeholders and policymakers to highlight important elements of the national conversation around the issues of investing in children's health, creating healthy schools, improving the health of communities, and developing healthy institutions. A final report will be released in Spring 2012.

Forum Location: BPC, 1225 Eye Street, NW, Washington, DC, (202) 204-2400

Thursday, February 23

Institutions are uniquely positioned to make changes in concessions, vending and catering that can have a significant impact on the food choices and health of millions of Americans. The discussion will focus on government and private sector institutions leading the way in delivering healthy food. How can we use these examples to encourage more companies across America to do the same?

10:00AM:      Opening Remarks and Introduction to BPC and Nutrition and Physical Activity Initiative

• Secretary Dan Glickman
• Secretary Ann M. Veneman

10:15AM        Panel I: Hospitals and Hospitality            

• Seema Wadhwa, Director, Healthier Hospitals Initiative
• Dr. Ted Eytan, Director, Permanente Federation, Kaiser Permanente
• Jim Milkovich, Corporate Director of Purchasing, Hyatt

11:15AM:      Moderated Discussion/Q&A

12:15PM        Lunch Served

1:00PM:        Panel II: Federal and Local Governments

• Ned Holland, Assistant Secretary for Administration, HHS
• Dr. Joel Kimmons, Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity, CDC
• Lt. Col. Sonya Cable, US Army Soldier Fueling Initiative
• Jeff Mills, Food Services Director, D.C. Public Schools

2:00PM:        Moderated Discussion/Q&A

3:00PM:        Panel III: Sports and Entertainment Venues           

• John Fithian, President, National Association of Theatre Owners
• Barry Ford, US Tennis Association
• Deanne Brandstetter, VP Nutrition and Wellness, Compass Group

3:30PM:        Moderated Discussion/Q&A

4:00PM:        Wrap-up by co-chairs

Friday, February 24

Workplace wellness programs are fast becoming an important tool for improving American's health, reducing absenteeism and cutting costs. Friday's discussion will focus on the economic benefits of these types of programs with success stories from private sector companies making a difference and the perspective on health and prevention from the insurance industry. How can we encourage more companies to promote workplace health and wellness programs?

9:00AM:        Opening Remarks

• Secretary Donna E. Shalala
• Secretary Ann M. Veneman

9:15AM         Panel I: The Case for Employee Wellness Programs            

• William Baun, President, National Wellness Institute
• Dr. Ron Goetzel, Emory University Institute for Health and Productivity Studies

10:00AM:      Panel II: Successful Wellness Programs

• Don Kemper, CEO, Healthwise
• Dr. Fikry Isaac, VP Global Health Services, Johnson & Johnson
• Dr. Ebi Awosika, Director, Employee Health Promotion Disease Prevention, Veterans Health Administration
• Katrina Betancourt, Worksite Wellness Section Chief, Arkansas Department of Health

11:00AM:      Moderated Discussion/Q&A

12:00PM:       Lunch Served

1:00PM:        Panel III: Insurer and Provider Perspectives          

• Dr. Brian Caveney, Medical Director, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina
• Dave Burwick, President, Weight Watchers North America
• Jonathan Lever, VP for Health Strategy and Innovation, YMCA

1:45PM:        Moderated Discussion/Q&A

2:15PM:        Wrap-up by co-chairs

About the Bipartisan Policy Center

Founded in 2007 by former U.S. Senate Majority Leaders Howard Baker, Tom Daschle, Bob Dole, and George Mitchell, Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) is a non-profit organization that drives principled solutions through rigorous analysis, reasoned negotiation and respectful dialogue.  With projects in multiple issue areas, BPC combines politically balanced policymaking with strong, proactive advocacy and outreach. http://www.bipartisanpolicy.org/

SOURCE Bipartisan Policy Center