NCCOR announces a new web resource summarizing key insights from our recent Obesity-Related Policy, Systems, and Environmental Research in the U.S. (OPUS) II workshop. Visit the OPUS II project page to access all workshop recordings, speaker slides, and participant bios.
Building on the foundational insights from the OPUS I workshop, OPUS II convened experts to explore the next generation of community-engaged policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) interventions for childhood obesity prevention. Speakers addressed critical methodological considerations, cutting-edge research approaches, and practical strategies for evaluating PSE interventions. For example, presenters shared insights on using PSE changes to create broader systemic impacts or how to work effectively with communities to identify priorities and design interventions. Many sessions highlighted the importance of implementation science with hands-on stories from various settings—including schools, healthcare facilities, and local neighborhoods—illustrating the real-world application of these strategies.
Day 1: October 9, 2024
- Keynote: Planning and Engaging Across Sectors and Settings for PSE Interventions, presented by Dr. Erin Hennessy, Tufts University.
- Panel: Building Bridges Across Sectors: Integrating Whole-of-Community Actors in PSE Interventions, moderated by Dr. Jamie Chriqui, University of Illinois Chicago.
- Keynote: Applying Rigorous Designs to the Evaluation of PSE Interventions, by Dr. Amy Carroll-Scott, Drexel University.
- Panel: Making it Happen: Designing, Implementing, and Evaluating PSE Interventions, moderated by Dr. Laurie Whitsel, American Heart Association.
Day 2: October 10, 2024
- Keynote: Adapting, Scaling, and Sustaining Whole-of-Community PSE Interventions, presented by Dr. Terry Huang, CUNY School of Public Health.
- Panel: Making an Impact that Lasts: Ensuring Local Relevance and Sustainability of PSE Interventions, moderated by Dr. Erin Hager, Johns Hopkins University.
- Panel: Integrating Social Drivers in PSE Interventions, moderated by Dr. Kristen Cooksey Stowers, University of Connecticut.
In addition to the new OPUS II page, the final meeting summary for OPUS I is now available on the NCCOR website. OPUS I examined best practices and known gaps in public health obesity prevention programs.