The Nemours Children’s Health System associate who leads the effort to promote healthy eating and physical activity among Central Florida children was honored by the Florida Department of Health today. Kelly Rogers, program manager with the Nemours Florida Prevention Initiative, was named a public health hero for Orange County by the Florida Department of Health.
"This is a well-deserved honor for Kelly Rogers," said Dana Nicholson Bledsoe, president of Nemours Children’s Hospital. "Nemours is committed to working in the community to help families, and Kelly’s passion for community health has impacted the lives of thousands of children. Her work to educate children about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle will have a lasting effect on the families."
The award celebrates someone with experience in his or her field, who possesses exceptional leadership skills, compassion and sensitivity, as well as participation in community projects.
The Nemours Florida Prevention Initiative supports child care providers with the programs, resource kits and related educational materials needed to educate our children early to adopt healthy habits for life. The programs have benefited 18,000 Florida children and counting.
"We know that when a child forms healthy habits as a toddler, they are far more likely to adopt those habits for life," said Kelly Rogers, program manager with the Nemours Florida Prevention Initiative. "Knowing our Nemours work has a long-lasting impact is gratifying. I am honored that Florida Department of Health is recognizing our efforts."
Last year, Nemours expanded the prevention effort to include "Our Healthy Eyes." This program educates children on the importance of taking care of their eyes and also provides free vision screenings. Nemours has screened more than 1,000 from more than 100 classrooms.
In Central Florida, Nemours Florida Prevention Initiative has partnered in multiple programs with organizations such as Head Start, Early Learning Coalitions, Parks and Recreation, Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida, and the YMCA.
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