All Children’s Hospital Takes Top State Honors For KidShapers Weight Management Program

(July 15, 2005) St. Petersburg, FL –  A program developed through All Children’s Hospital to address the growing problem of childhood obesity has received top honors among hospitals statewide. The Florida Society for Healthcare Public Relations and Marketing presented its President’s Award to All Children’s KidShapers program at its 39th annual Mark of Excellence Banquet Wednesday night (July 13, 2005) in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

The FSHPRM President’s Award recognizes a program that showcases the best of healthcare public relations and marketing in the state of Florida. One winner was chosen from 77 Mark of Excellence honorees in nine different categories ranging from Crisis Communications to Internal Publications. All Children’s KidShapers program qualified for consideration by winning a Mark of Excellence in the Health Improvement & Community Partnerships category.

"We're very proud of this program,” says Joel Momberg, Executive VP for All Children’s Hospital Community Relations & Foundation. “The medical needs of overweight children have been a major health care concern throughout the country. We've found that the medical community and the families of the Tampa Bay area have really embraced our new innovative approach to weight management."

KidShapers, a weight management and fitness program for families, was developed by All Children’s with input and guidance from a community-wide task force including representatives from the American Heart Association, the American Diabetes Association, the Pinellas County Health Department (Steps Toward a Healthier Pinellas) and the Pinellas County School System as well as staff from a variety of All Children’s Hospital Departments. The objective was to provide a family-centered, behavior-based pediatric weight management program for overweight and obese children ages 8-12.  Two approaches were mapped out under the KidShapers program umbrella; group sessions based at All Children’s St. Petersburg campus and an individually based program to be offered at physician offices.  Both are being piloted in Pinellas County, with intent to evaluate and expand the program to other areas currently served by All Children’s Hospital.

Judging for the President’s Award was based on planning, technical quality, cost effectiveness, overall excellence and results.  Members of the Colorado Society for Healthcare Public Relations and Marketing evaluated the entries and assigned scores.  All Children’s KidShapers program was the only entrant in the state of Florida to receive a perfect score. 

Click here for more information about the KidShapers program or contact the All Children’s Hospital Community Education Department at (727) 767-4188.