New York Academy of Medicine July 27-29, 2007 In order to develop policy changes about obesity for children, NHMA developed a state focused effort in states with high numbers of Hispanic populations in the three states of California, New York and Texas. As a result of more than a decade of experience in advocacy, the Association recognizes that health policy reforms and changes occur when:

1. champions in the legislature are identified and cultivated;
2. stakeholders are linked to the policymakers, including health and education experts with the information with which to base new strategies;
3. leadership training of experts takes place, and in this case, teams of physicians within the Hispanic medical societies;
4. a strategic plan is developed to educate policy makers and the public (via hearings, lectures, and community town hall meetings); and
5. the effective monitoring and assessment of the strategic planning and implementation process is in place.

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