The focus of the submitted proposals center on strategies to curtail the obesity epidemic; as well as implementing the 40,000 pound weight loss challenge for chapter members.

During the 40^th Anniversary Celebration at the 39^th Annual Institute and Conference, to be held in Indianapolis, Indiana, July 13-17, 2011, these ten NBNA chapters will display their efforts around the fight against obesity via poster presentations, podium presentations, and participation during the annual chapter-hosted health fair.

Chapters, chapter project titles and project overviews are outlined below:

·         Black Nurses Association of Greater Washington, DC Area, Inc.

o   “Healthy Life Styles Challenge [HLSC]” – is a multifaceted, personalized approach to encourage adherence to lifelong management of excessive weight and maintenance of weight loss by following a healthy diet and regular physical activity. Recognizing that life style change is a daunting task, HLSC will help the individual to make significant changes in small incremental steps with the goal of health improvement over time.

·         Birmingham Black Nurses Association, Inc.

o   “Ten pounds, ten weeks, and ten ways” - Alabama ranks 2^nd in the nation for obesity. The BBNA proposes to change the behavior of the membership by embracing the challenge of curtailing obesity and becoming role models for the clients of whom they treat. Chapter members will walk at least three times per week; they will attend yoga classes; and adapt for their use unique healthy recipes.

·         Central Carolina Black Nurses Council, Inc.

o   “Project MOVE: A Call for Action” – is an initiative directed at the members of the CCBNC. The project is designed to assist members to improve quality of life by focusing on a healthier lifestyle and to decrease incidence of obesity. The key components of this project are exercise, nutrition, and increased self-awareness.

·         Cleveland Council of Black Nurses of Ohio

o   “CCBN Healthy Lifestyle Resource Manual and Website” – embarks on a mission to reduce obesity among chapter members and the communities of which they serve. Members will enhance their community’s health promotion role by modeling healthy behaviors and by documenting their collective experiences with weight loss. Compiled, proven weight reduction options that are grounded by journal reports of physical activity and well-balanced nutritional plans used by chapter members will be available in the form of a manual.

·         Concerned National Black Nurses of Central Savannah River Area

o   “Embracing a Healthier Lifestyle through Maintaining a Healthier Weight” – seeks to collaborate with other organizations, schools and churches to present awareness information on a healthier lifestyle, which includes the control and prevention of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. The project’s approach is family centered and selected obese families are encouraged to collectively lose 100 pounds each.

·         Eastern Oklahoma Black Nurses Association, Inc.

o   “Diamonds in the Rough” - Oklahoma ranks 8^th in the nation for obesity. The EOBNA proposes to collaborate with community advocates to conduct this after school wellness program at the BriarGlenElementary school. The focus of the program centers on weight management, healthy eating, physical activity, and education on chronic disease illnesses.

·         Fort BendCountyBlack Nurses Association

o   “BMI Beware, A Nursing Association’s Strategy for Changing BMI” – focuses on each member of the FBCBNA losing ten [10] pounds in recognition of FBCBNA 10 year anniversary. Changing individual behaviors by self assessment journaling, health promotion strategies, lifestyle changes/alterations, monthly meal planning, and chapter empowerment are the basis for the change in BMI endeavor.

·         Little Rock Black Nurses Association of Arkansas

o   “Get Fit, Get Moving” – is a program designed to provide members of LRBNAA with fun, cardiovascular activities. Line dancing will afford participants the opportunity to burn calories, move large muscle groups, and improve overall physical fitness. The program will act as a catalyst and motivator for members, their families, and friends to move and lose pounds.

·         Northern Connecticut Black Nurses Association, Inc.

o   “Hartford HEALS [Healthy Eating and Living Strategies] – is an innovative and strategic approach that focuses on education and physical activity.  The plan is four-fold: 1) members will tour the local Big Y grocery to better understand the NuVal system; 2) registered dietician/chef will conducting healthy eating sessions to church and NCBNA members; 3) chapter will launch the Walk to National Convention campaign; and 4) chapter will work with the high school nursing academy to bridge the intergenerational gap.

·         Southern Nevada Black Nurses Association, Inc.

o   “Getting Fit and Eating Healthy” – seeks to deliver an innovated approach to goal accomplishment. The key objective is to be victorious and contribute to the NBNA supported initiative to fight obesity. SNBNA will develop, guide, and demonstrate a series of options that will allow and encourage participants to maintain their enthusiasm, which will ultimately permit them to accomplish improved fitness and healthier eating habits needed for proper weight loss and effective health promotion.

Chapters have until June 01 to accomplish proposed objectives. Winners will be notified by June 15 and chapter presentations will convene in the following formats:

·         The chapter (1) documenting the “BEST” results will present at the President’s Institute

·         The next four (4) chapters with good documentation results will present podium presentations during the Obesity Institute

·         The final five (5) chapters will present poster presentations during the Obesity Institute

The National Black Nurses Association's mission is to provide a forum for collective action by black nurses to investigate, define and advocate for the health care needs of African Americans and to implement strategies that ensure access to health care, equal to, or above health care standards of the larger society.