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Check out events at which Canyon Ranch Institute, our partners, and our leadership are participating.


2010 Events

July 21, 2010 – Washington, D.C.
STOP Obesity Alliance Announces Task Force on Women

CRI partner organization the Strategies to Overcome and Prevent (STOP) Obesity Alliance, held a briefing on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., to announce and discuss its new Task Force on Women, a collaboration of health advocacy organizations that aims to highlight innovative strategies to improve the health of overweight and obese women and their families. In the United States, over 65 million women are overweight or obese. Women are also the primary healthcare decision makers and care givers for their families, and influence the health behaviors of their children. To become a healthier nation, the cycle of obesity must be transformed into one of health. To accomplish this, the STOP Obesity Alliance Task Force on Women recognizes the need to reach out to women, specifically mothers, to understand their challenges and barriers of maintaining a healthy weight. As a member of the STOP Obesity Alliance Steering Committee and the Task Force on Women, CRI is participating in initiatives to impact obesity among women.


July 8, 2010 – South Bronx, NY
Fourth Class Completes CRI Life Enhancement Program at Urban Health Plan

The fourth class has graduated the Canyon Ranch Institute Life Enhancement Program (CRI LEP) at Urban Health Plan (UHP) in the South Bronx, NY. The six-week CRI LEP at UHP program, which is taught in both Spanish and English, is designed to improve participants’ health literacy and increase prevention by using an integrative approach to health and wellness. The class was composed of 19 women, who called themselves Las Dinamicas, which in Spanish means “the dynamic ladies.” Early data reveals participants experienced a number of healthy changes during the program, including exercising at home, feeling less pain, increased ability to manage stress, relaxing and meditating, eating healthier foods and healthier portions, and feeling less depressed.


June 22–24, 2010 – Cleveland, OH
CRI Life Enhancement Program Training Continues in Cleveland, Ohio

In collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic, CRI Health Literacy and Research Director Andrew Pleasant, Ph.D., Partnerships and Policies Director Christine L. Sardo, M.P.H., R.D., and CRI Life Enhancement Program (CRI LEP) Program Manager Sereti Venzin, M.P.H., facilitated a three-day training program in Cleveland, OH, for members of the CRI LEP in Cleveland core team. During their visit, the CRI team presented an in-depth overview of the program and of principles of health literacy. On the final evening of the training, CRI and Cleveland-based team members held a community program preview for members of the target audience (young people between the ages of 18 and 28) from the Fairfax and Hough neighborhoods of Cleveland. The visit marks the completion of training for the CRI LEP in Cleveland core team members. Recruitment is underway for the first group of participants to begin the CRI LEP in Cleveland program at a local Job Corps site in late August 2010.


June 14, 2010 – Milan, MO
CRI Life Enhancement Program in Sullivan County Launches

The first class of the Canyon Ranch Institute Life Enhancement Program (CRI LEP) in Sullivan County, MO, started in June 2010 with 20 participants. The Milan community center and a local gym are the location of the program sessions that take place one evening per week for 12 weeks. The CRI LEP curriculum is based on the integrative health model that looks at the whole person from the perspectives of medicine, nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and spirituality. The second class in Sullivan County is scheduled to begin in August 2010, and additional classes are planned in 2010 and 2011.


June 10, 2010 – Phoenix, AZ
CRI President Dr. Richard H. Carmona Delivers Keynote Address at 11th Annual Evidence-Based Practice Conference

CRI President Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), delivered the keynote address "The Evidence Base: Differentiating and Plaguing the Surgeon General," at the 11th Annual Evidence-Based Practice Conference in Phoenix. The conference was sponsored by Arizona State University College of Nursing & Health Innovation and was attended by over 180 nurses from 27 states and five countries. Dr. Carmona, a nurse in addition to being a physician, spoke about his experiences as U.S. Surgeon General and emphasized the importance of making health decisions, including public policy decisions, based on the best available scientific evidence.

June 1, 2010 – Austin, TX
Concerns Remain After Cancer Treatment Ends, Reports CRI Partner the Lance Armstrong Foundation

Ninety-nine percent of survey respondents experience at least one concern after cancer treatment ends, according to “How Cancer Has Affected Post-Treatment Survivors: A LIVESTRONG Report,” issued by CRI partner the Lance Armstrong Foundation. The report compiled findings from a 2006 LIVESTRONG survey of over 2,300 cancer survivors about their physical, practical, and emotional concerns after cancer treatment. The report concluded that communication between health care professionals and patients is necessary to address the ongoing concerns of cancer survivors post-treatment, and that additional research should be conducted to better understand the impact of cancer on long-term survivorship. There are over 12 million cancer survivors in the United States. CRI and LIVESTRONG support the goal of making the war on cancer a national priority through initiatives such as the National Call To Action on Cancer Prevention and Survivorship and the CRI-LIVESTRONG Fellowship Program at Canyon Ranch.


May 25, 2010 – Oro Valley, AZ
MGA Global Foundation and CRI Partner to Develop CRI LEP for Employees of New McDonald's Restaurant

Canyon Ranch Institute Executive Director Jennifer Cabe, M.A., joined MGA Global Foundation President Gael Sylvia Pullen, dignitaries from the town of Oro Valley, representatives from McDonald’s, and an audience of supporters and friends to announce a new CRI partnership focused on providing a CRI Life Enhancement Program (CRI LEP) for employees of the new McDonald’s Restaurant in Oro Valley, AZ. The Pullen family is building the new McDonald’s and included the announcement of the partnership with CRI at the groundbreaking for the restaurant. This is the fourth CRI LEP partnership and the first to be offered for employees of a business.


May 7, 2010 – Irvine, CA
CRI Health Literacy and Research Director Andrew Pleasant Speaks about Health Literacy Measurement at Institute for Healthcare Advancement Conference

CRI Health Literacy and Research Director Andrew Pleasant, Ph.D., presented a session on health literacy measurement at the Institute for Healthcare Advancement's Ninth Annual Health Literacy Conference, "Health Literacy in the Real World: Programs and Solutions That Work." Andrew’s presentation focused on the summary and outcomes of a discussion he facilitated online in March 2010 with the support of the National Institute for Literacy Health Literacy Discussion List. That online discussion consisted of the input and comments from hundreds of individuals interested in how to measure health literacy. Click here to view the discussion, which is available in the archives of the National Institute for Literacy Health Literacy listserv.


May 6, 2010 – Irvine, CA
CRI Partnership Time to Talk CARDIO Recognized with Prestigious National Award for Excellence in Health Literacy

A Canyon Ranch Institute (CRI) partnership, Time to Talk CARDIO (Creating A Real Dialogue In the Office), was recognized today by the non-profit Institute for Healthcare Advancement (IHA) for outstanding achievement in health literacy. The award announcement was made at the Ninth Annual IHA Health Literacy Conference, “Health Literacy in the Real World: Programs & Solutions That Work,” in Irvine, CA.

Cardiovascular disease causes more than 870,000 deaths in the United States each year. Time to Talk CARDIO is an educational program that focuses on advancing health literacy about heart health.

Time to Talk CARDIO was collaboratively developed by CRI, the American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation, Merck & Co., Inc., and RIASWorks. A key component of Time to Talk CARDIO is a free, online, communication skill-building tool that features more than 550 videos demonstrating methods to help make the most of the limited time in a medical visit.

CRI President Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, 17th U.S. Surgeon General (2002-2006), is chair of the Time to Talk CARDIO Advisory Board, and CRI Executive Director Jennifer Cabe, M.A., serves on the board. CRI Health Literacy and Research Director Andrew Pleasant, Ph.D., coordinated in-clinic research to assess the impact of the Time to Talk CARDIO skill-building tool and resources among patients and health care professionals. Ms. Cabe and Dr. Pleasant accepted the IHA award on behalf of CRI.


April 30, 2010 – San Francisco, CA
CRI President Dr. Richard H. Carmona Delivers Keynote Address at Go Red for Women Luncheon

CRI President Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), gave the keynote address, “Women: The ‘Heart’ of Global Health, Peace and Prosperity,” at the Bay Area’s annual Go Red for Women Luncheon. Go Red for Women is part of the American Heart Association’s national movement to raise awareness of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in women in the United States. In his speech, Dr. Carmona highlighted the importance of preventing and managing cardiovascular disease and cited CRI partner organization Time to Talk CARDIO and its free on-line skill-building tool that can help improve the communication between patients and health care professionals about heart health.

April 27, 2010 – Columbus, OH
CRI Partnerships and Policies Director Christine L. Sardo Presents at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Conference

Christine L. Sardo, M.P.H., R.D., CRI partnerships and policies director, spoke at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Survivorship Conference. Christine’s presentation, “Cancer Survivorship: Keys to Integrative Health,” focused on nutrition, physical activity, stress reduction, and weight management and how they relate to cancer survivorship and prevention of breast cancer recurrence.


April 23, 2010 – Chicago, IL
CRI Health Literacy and Research Director Andrew Pleasant Addresses Media Professionals about Health Literacy

CRI Health Literacy and Research Director Andrew Pleasant, Ph.D., spoke at “Health Journalism 2010,” the annual conference of the Association of Health Care Journalists, which is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing public understanding of health care issues. During his presentation, “Why the mass media should help advance health literacy,” Andrew discussed the positive impact on audiences that can result if journalists endeavor to improve health literacy as they write articles and reports.


April 22 and 23, 2010 – Phoenix, AZ
Foods for Cancer Prevention and Survivorship Featured in Presentations by CRI Partnerships and Policies Director Christine L. Sardo for The Wellness Community

CRI Partnerships and Policies Director Christine L. Sardo, M.P.H., R.D., spoke with cancer survivors on the role of nutrition in cancer prevention and survivorship at the Phoenix chapter of The Wellness Community on April 22. Christine’s presentation, “Fruitraceuticals for Cancer Prevention and Survivorship,” focused on bioactive foods such as berries, tomatoes, and orange- and yellow-colored fruits and vegetables that play a significant role in combating the initiation, promotion, and progression of cancer. On April 23, Christine spoke to The Wellness Community Board of Directors and Leadership Council about the importance of healthy eating for optimal health.


April 15, 2010 – Little Rock, AR
CRI President Dr. Richard H. Carmona Teams up with 14th and 15th U.S. Surgeons General at Arkansas Minority Health Summit

Three former U.S. Surgeons led a panel discussion at the Arkansas Minority Health Summit, “Healthy People 2020: Health Equity for All Arkansas,” centered on issues that impact the health status of minority Arkansans. In conjunction with the Summit, U.S. Surgeons General Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006): Joycelyn Elders, M.D., M.S., 15th Surgeon General of the United States (1993-1994): and Antonia C. Novello, M.D., M.P.H., Dr.Ph., 14th Surgeon General of the United States (1990-1993), led a roundtable discussion for Arkansas public health leaders and legislators on the relevance of Healthy People national agendas. Healthy People is a national health promotion and disease prevention initiative.


April 5–10, 2010 – Tucson, AZ
Canyon Ranch Institute Hosts Visiting Scholar Dr. Kavita K. Patel

Just days after the passage of the historic U.S. health reform legislation that she helped to develop, Kavita Patel, M.D., M.S.H.S., met with Canyon Ranch Institute (CRI) team members as our first CRI Visiting Scholar of the year. Dr. Patel’s timely visit reaffirmed CRI’s commitment to collaborating with all sectors of society to ensure that prevention of chronic disease is included in all aspects of our nation’s health care efforts.

Dr. Patel is a board-certified internal medicine physician who has dedicated her life to bringing the stories and lessons learned from her clinical experiences to policymakers and the people working on shaping the future of our health care system. Her expertise spans a number of sectors including delivery system reform and equipping clinical teams with the skills necessary to respond to our changing health care system.

Dr. Patel is director of policy for the White House Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs. Prior to that, she was the deputy staff director for the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee under the leadership of Senator Edward M. Kennedy.


March 25–28, 2010 – Milan, MO
CRI Life Enhancement Program Training Continues in Sullivan County, MO

In collaboration with Sullivan County Memorial Hospital, CRI Health Literacy and Research Director Andrew Pleasant, Ph.D., Partnerships and Policies Director Christine L. Sardo, M.P.H., R.D., and CRI LEP Program Manager Sereti Venzin, M.P.H., collaborated with the Sullivan County Memorial Hospital to facilitate a four-day training program in Milan, MO, for core team members of the CRI Life Enhancement Program in Sullivan County. During their visit, CRI team members facilitated trainings about health literacy, nutrition, sense of purpose, and led a CRI LEP program preview among Sullivan County community members. The visit marks the completion of training for the CRI LEP in Sullivan County core team members. The core team includes physicians, nurses, exercise professionals, nutritionists, behavioral health professionals, wellness educators, and spirituality professionals. Recruitment is underway for the first group of participants to begin the CRI LEP in Sullivan County program.


March 17, 2010 – Washington, D.C.
CRI Executive Director Jennifer Cabe Presents at Center for Strategic and International Studies Conference: “The Challenge of Chronic Diseases Along the U.S.-Mexico Border”

CRI Executive Director Jennifer Cabe, M.A., spoke at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Conference in Washington D.C. focused on “The Challenge of Chronic Diseases Along the U.S.-Mexico Border.” The conference was hosted by the CSIS Americas Program and Global Health Policy Center with the Pan American Health and Education Foundation and the U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission. Jennifer’s presentation focused on strategies and programs that Canyon Ranch Institute is developing and evaluating with partners to advance health literacy and improve disease prevention. Invited speakers as well as members of the public attended the conference to examine the unique health challenges posed in the U.S.-Mexico border region and to discuss innovative options for addressing these challenges through educational outreach, workplace wellness programs, and bi-national and cross-sectoral partnerships.


March 16, 2010 – Washington, D.C.
Primary Care Provider and Patient Research and Survey Results Released at Briefing Led by STOP Obesity Alliance Health and Wellness Chairperson and CRI President Dr. Richard Carmona and Alliance Director Christine C. Ferguson, J.D.

On March 16, 2010, the STOP Obesity Alliance research team at The George Washington University released a white paper based on outcomes of an expert roundtable that examined innovative approaches to help address obesity in the primary care setting. The paper outlines five areas to explore to improve the treatment of obesity in primary care:

  • Monitoring weight, health indicators and risk;
  • Assessing patient motivation;
  • Defining success;
  • Increasing integration and care coordination; and
  • Implementing electronic medical records.


March 15, 2010 – Washington, D.C.
CRI and NCTA Community Host 2010 Workshop: Innovation in the War on Cancer

The National Call to Action Community, in partnership with Canyon Ranch Institute, the American Institute for Cancer Research, Cancer Support Community, C-Change, LIVESTRONG, and the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), hosted the 2010 Workshop: Innovation in the War on Cancer at the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Washington, D.C. The Workshop brought together stakeholders from all sectors of society to evaluate accomplishments and identify next steps in making the continuum of cancer prevention and survivorship a national priority. Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006) presented the opening keynote address along with Billy Tauzin, president and chief executive officer of PhRMA. The midday keynote address was presented by Howard Koh, M.D., M.P.H., Assistant Secretary for Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Speakers included leaders from the Arizona Cancer Center, Boston Healthcare, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The George Washington University Cancer Institute, the Lance Armstrong Foundation, the National Cancer Institute, and Pfizer. Participants from the patient advocacy community, government, industry, academia, and the non-profit sector contributed to the discussion about next steps for the National Call to Action Community as it renews and strengthens its commitment to preventing cancer and improving survivorship.


March 8-12, 2010 – Tucson, AZ
CRI Health Literacy and Communication Director Dr. Andrew Pleasant Moderates Discussion on Evaluating and Measuring Health Literacy

Andrew Pleasant, Ph.D., Canyon Ranch Institute health literacy and communication director, will moderate and serve as guest speaker in an online discussion on evaluating and measuring health literacy March 8 through March 12, 2010. The discussion will take place on the National Institute for Literacy Health Literacy Discussion Listserv and is open to all subscribers.

This discussion is warranted because measuring health literacy is a complicated process. There are so many aspects to potentially include in an evaluation methodology. The challenge of measuring health literacy is compounded by the many contexts in which health literacy can be evaluated – from different diseases, to different stages of life, to different health system contexts. Further, there is the two-sided nature of health literacy. For example, do we measure the health literacy of individuals as patients or measure the health literacy of health professionals and health systems as it relates to their ability to serve their patient populations? There are currently several existing screeners of health literacy and more are in development. The health literacy field as a whole is still working on coming to a consensus on what should be measured, how it should be measured, and who should be evaluated.

Dr. Pleasant will facilitate participants in a discussion that will collectively explore the existing screeners and measures of health literacy, as well as discuss their uses and limitations. He will also lead discussion addressing the elements of what a rigorous measure of health literacy might focus on, and what kinds of conceptual work and rigorous testing are needed in order to continue to collectively advance the field of health literacy.


February 26, 2010 – Douglas, AZ
CRI-MEZCOPH Healthy Steps for Families Demonstration Project Expands to Serve Border Community

The Canyon Ranch Institute-Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health (MEZCOPH) Healthy Steps for Families Demonstration Project has expanded to serve the border community of Douglas, AZ. The Healthy Steps for Families Demonstration Project was developed to help parents become better role models for their children around issues related to health and wellness. Through the program expansion, CRI and MEZCOPH seek to reduce health disparities and improve the health status of multiethnic communities primarily in the U.S.- Mexico border region.

In addition to the refinement of ongoing programs in Tucson, AZ, we have expanded to the border community of Douglas to build upon the success generated by promotoras (community health educators) who have been working there for many years. In Douglas, we are serving parents at two Head Start facilities as well as integrating into an additional Family Literacy program housed at the Cochise Community College as part of their adult education initiatives. Since the initial launch in fall of 2008, the CRI-MEZCOPH Healthy Steps for Families Demonstration Project has collectively served over 100 parents and grandparents and impacted the lives of nearly 300 children.

The first group of participants, which included students from the Cochise Community College family literacy program, graduated from the Healthy Steps for Families Demonstration Project in February. The second group of participants includes parents that have children attending La Escuelita and La Bonita, two Head Start facilities in Douglas, and community members. This group will graduate the program in April.


February 17-18, 2010 – New York, NY
CRI Partnership Launches Time to Talk CARDIO Health Literacy Program to the Public; CRI President Dr. Richard H. Carmona and Heart Health Advocate Andie MacDowell Take to the Airwaves

CRI President Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), and award-winning actress and heart health advocate Andie MacDowell partnered in a national media tour to launch a dynamic program to help improve the communication between health care professionals and patients about cardiovascular health: Time to Talk CARDIO. CRI partnered with Time to Talk CARDIO in 2009 to help improve health literacy and prevent heart disease – the number-one cause of death in the United States. During the media tour, Dr. Carmona and Ms. MacDowell were interviewed by dozens of television and radio stations across the nation about the importance of preventing and managing cardiovascular disease.

“Millions of Americans live with at least one heart condition,” Dr. Carmona said. “Time to Talk CARDIO focuses on the skills patients and health care professionals need to have a real dialogue in the office about heart health. Based on the results of initial research we have conducted, we believe Time to Talk CARDIO may make an important difference in how patients and health care professionals talk about heart health.”

While CRI is evaluating in-clinic research to assess the impact of the Time to Talk CARDIO skill-building tool and resources among patients and health care professionals, preliminary testing shows a significant increase in overall communication skill use and statistically significant improvement in overall satisfaction with visit communication.


February 2, 2010 – Chicago, IL
Peoples’ Piece Wins Distinguished Award from the Society for Technical Communication

CRI was informed that the Peoples’ Piece – Cancer: What it Means to You, a magazine-style booklet that accompanies the National Call to Action on Cancer Prevention and Survivorship, received the prestigious Award of Distinguished from the Chicago Chapter of the Society for Technical Communication. The Peoples’ Piece is dedicated to promoting awareness of cancer prevention and survivorship. Along with CRI Executive Director Jennifer Cabe, M.A.; Melissa Sileo, M.S.W., LCSW of the Lance Armstrong Foundation; Laura Zauderer, M.P.H., CHES, of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and Peter Xiques, Vickie Reddick, and C. Mark Van Hook of SAIC were the lead collaborators on the Peoples’ Piece. By receiving this award, the Peoples’ Piece advances to the Society for Technical Communication’s international competition. The Society for Technical Communication is one of the largest organizations in the world dedicated to advancing the arts and sciences of technical communication.


January 15, 2010 – Cleveland, OH and Tucson, AZ
CRI and Cleveland Clinic Add Life Enhancement Program to Partnership

Canyon Ranch Institute (CRI) and Cleveland Clinic have agreed to develop a Canyon Ranch Institute Life Enhancement Program (CRI LEP) Demonstration Project in Cleveland. CRI and the Cleveland Clinic have been collaborating since 2007, and the CRI LEP in Cleveland is a positive new addition to our partnership. Each CRI LEP is customized based on the cultural, geographic, and health needs of a specific community, and the CRI LEP in Cleveland will be the first CRI LEP to focus on young adults. Together, CRI and Cleveland Clinic will evaluate the program’s effectiveness in part by measuring any changes in these areas.

In November 2009, CRI Health Literacy and Communication Director Andrew Pleasant, Ph.D., CRI Partnerships and Policies Director Christine L. Sardo, M.P.H., R.D., and CRI LEP Program Manager Sereti Venzin, M.P.H., visited Cleveland Clinic to hold meetings with Cleveland Clinic leadership and learn about Cleveland Clinic’s Langston Hughes community health center. After the meetings in Cleveland, the CRI team members and our colleagues from Cleveland Clinic traveled together for meetings with our Urban Health Plan (UHP) partner in the South Bronx, NY. The CRI LEP at UHP core team gave informative presentations, facilitated discussions, and provided a tour of our newly constructed Health & Wellness Center at UHP.


January 11, 2010 – Washington, D.C.
17th U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Richard H. Carmona Passes Surgeon General's Seal to 18th U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin During Change of Command Ceremony

Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), passed the seal of the Surgeon General to Regina Benjamin, M.D., M.B.A., during a change of command ceremony in Washington, D.C., where Dr. Benjamin was officially sworn in as the 18th Surgeon General of the United States.

To a crowd of over 600 friends, relatives, and supporters, Dr. Benjamin pledged a commitment to wellness and disease prevention. “This is a doctor’s dream job, but, for me it was more important and more personal because many of my family members are not sitting here today because of preventable diseases,” Dr. Benjamin told the audience.

Dr. Benjamin won unanimous confirmation from the Senate for the title as the nation’s top doctor over two months ago, but had not been officially sworn in due to her involvement in educating the public about the swine flu crisis.


2009 Events

December 17, 2009 – Washington, D.C.
CRI and Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease Extend Commitment to Prevent and Manage Chronic Disease

Canyon Ranch Institute and the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD) renewed their commitment to helping to ensure that policies and practices improve lives through prevention and management of chronic disease. In a letter issued December 19, 2009, CRI President Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), and national chairperson of PFCD, and PFCD Executive Director Ken Thorpe, Ph.D., thanked the more than 120 national partners that have helped to make PFCD one of the largest and most influential health coalitions in the United States.

PFCD has made powerful strides in 2009 to ensure that health reform deliberations strongly emphasize provisions to address the chronic disease crisis. PFCD issued publications on the impact of chronic disease, facilitated discussions on health reform, and hosted national forums and campaigns to focus attention on the long-term value of prevention and disease management for all Americans. Key PFCD accomplishments also include generating national media attention about the value of wellness, prevention, and disease management in meaningful health reform.


December 14-17, 2009 – Tucson, AZ
Canyon Ranch Institute Hosts Visiting Scholar Dr. Frederico Peres

Continuing to build an international dimension to Canyon Ranch Institute, Frederico Peres, Ph.D., MSc. from Brazil’s Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ) was the most recent CRI Visiting Scholar.

Dr. Peres participated in several group discussions and led a workshop with the Canyon Ranch Institute team. His work in Brazil, as part of the Ministry of Health of the Brazilian government, is particularly focused on identifying best practices of risk communication. Most of Dr. Peres’ research has focused on risk communication in the context of the use of pesticides in Brazilian agricultural practices.

Dr. Peres and CRI are exploring collaborating to combine the best practices of health literacy and an integrative approach to health and medicine with Dr. Peres’ expertise in risk communication. The shared goals are to collaborate on projects that improve the health and wellness of the Brazilian population, enhance the evidence base on health literacy and risk communication, and continue to forge good working relationships between CRI and FIOCRUZ, as well as with the public health system in Brazil.


December 7-11, 2009 – Cleveland, OH
CRI Partner Cleveland Clinic Hosts “Wellness Week” Organized by HealthCorps

The Canyon Ranch Institute-Cleveland Clinic HealthCorps Demonstration Project hosted “Wellness Week” at John Marshall and John F. Kennedy high schools in Cleveland during the week of December 7, 2009. Lunchroom lessons and after-school activities culminated in a health fair at each high school – the “Marshall Lumberjack Health Fair” at John Marshall and the “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” health fair at John F. Kennedy High School. More than 1,000 students and 60 faculty members participated. The three core principles of the HealthCorps Program – nutrition, physical activity, and mental resiliency – were prominently illustrated through a wide variety of activities, including yoga, Zumba® fitness, cooking demonstrations, and art therapy. Two of the most popular activities were “Think Before You Drink,” which focused on controlling sugar consumption, and “Dance Your Pedometer Off,” which emphasized the importance of physical activity. The high-school students managed over a dozen booths at each high school, and a variety of health topics were covered, including the importance of eating breakfast, the power of positive thinking, how to make healthy smoothies, and how to incorporate jump rope workouts into a daily exercise routine. Cleveland-area health organizations also contributed booths and information, and The Cleveland Clinic Sports Medicine team provided information about proper stretching and exercise.


December 3, 2009 – Phoenix, AZ
CRI Partnerships and Policies Director Christine Sardo Speaks about Cancer Prevention at The Wellness Community in Arizona

Christine L. Sardo, M.P.H., R.D., CRI partnerships and policies director, was invited to speak at the December meeting of The Wellness Community’s Leadership Council. Christine spoke about CRI’s principles and partnerships, as well the importance of optimizing nutrition for cancer prevention and survivorship. “Berries, especially black raspberries, are an easy way to consume a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and hundreds of other cancer-fighting phytochemicals. They are anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, anti-metastatic, anti-angiogenic, and they are anti-oxidants. We’re talking about preventing tumor formation and progression on a microscopic level," Christine explained. Christine is a board member of The Wellness Community, a national non-profit organization dedicated to providing free emotional support, education, and hope for people with cancer and their loved ones. She is also a regular contributor to The Wellness Community of Columbus newsletter.

December 3, 2009 – Tuscon, AZ
CRI President Dr. Richard H. Carmona Delivers Keynote at Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Healthy Eating Research Meeting

Over 30 percent of children in over 30 states are overweight or obese. Canyon Ranch Institute President Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), addressed this reality in his keynote, “Conquering Childhood Obesity: Milestones Needed to Protect, Promote, and Advance the Health, Safety, and Security of the United States” at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s (RWJF) Healthy Eating Research 4th Annual Grantee Meeting.

In outlining efforts to reverse the childhood obesity epidemic in the United States by 2015, Dr. Carmona said, “We must all work together to help our children lead healthy lives. Instead of blaming children for being overweight, we need to encourage them and help them to make healthier choices. We need physical activity and healthy food choices in every school in America. We need better food choices at affordable prices in every neighborhood in America. And we need community planning that includes neighborhood playgrounds and safe walking paths. For the meals we eat at home, and the meals we eat out, it’s still our decision what we eat, where we eat, and how much we eat. That is why we need to improve the health literacy of all Americans. Low health literacy contributes to our nation’s epidemic of overweight and obesity. I’m pleased to hear from parents and I ask you to work with me and with each other to improve Americans’ health literacy, put prevention first, and end our nation’s obesity epidemic before it has a chance to limit the possibilities for another generation of Americans.”

Healthy Eating Research is a national program funded by the RWJF, whose mission is to promote healthy eating among children to prevent childhood obesity, especially among low-income and racial and ethnic populations. Attendees of the meeting included RWJF and Healthy Eating Research staff, representatives from other RWJF childhood obesity programs, and leading health researchers.

December 2009 – Washington, D.C.
Presentation by CRI Health Literacy and Communication Director Dr. Andrew Pleasant Published in Institute of Medicine Workshop Summary

A presentation by Andrew Pleasant, Ph.D., Canyon Ranch Institute health literacy and communication director, was published in Measures of Health Literacy: Workshop Summary, a compendium of presentations from a February 2009 workshop at the Institute of Medicine Roundtable on Health Literacy. Andrew’s presentation, “Health Literacy Measurement: A Brief Review and Proposal,” explored existing screeners of health literacy, suggested an overall approach, and proposed eight methodological principles to serve as the basis for the development of a comprehensive measure of health literacy.


December 2009 – Milan, MO and Tucson, AZ
CRI-Sullivan County Memorial Hospital Partnership Awarded Health Literacy Grant from the Missouri Foundation for Health

Canyon Ranch Institute (CRI) and Sullivan County Memorial Hospital (SCMH) were awarded a two-year grant from the Missouri Foundation for Health to conduct a SCMH-CRI Life Enhancement Program Health Literacy Demonstration Project in Sullivan County, Missouri. Sullivan County is the second CRI LEP site. Together, SCMH, Health Literacy Missouri, and CRI will adapt the CRI LEP for a rural population. CRI and the Urban Health Plan in the South Bronx, NY, collaboratively developed the CRI LEP for an urban population, based on the Canyon Ranch Life Enhancement Program that was first introduced at Canyon Ranch in 1988. When the SCMH-CRI Life Enhancement Program is launched in rural Sullivan County, a core team of physicians; nurse practitioners; a nutritionist; and exercise, behavioral, and spirituality professionals will provide classes, activities, one-on-one consultations, cooking demonstrations, and shopping excursions with groups of participants from Sullivan County. The SCMH-CRI Life Enhancement Program will be designed and evaluated to meet the cultural and linguistic needs of the Sullivan County community and to meet the partnership’s objectives of increasing health literacy and self efficacy in health and wellness behaviors. The SCMH-CRI Life Enhancement Program Health Literacy Demonstration Project will kick off with the SCMH-CRI LEP core team training in winter 2010, and the program will launch with Sullivan County participants in summer 2010.


November 19-24, 2009 – Changsha City, Hunan Province, China
CRI and the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease Meet with Chinese Leaders and Citizens About the Importance of Chronic Disease Prevention

Canyon Ranch Institute and our partner organization the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD) were invited to meet with Chinese leaders as part of a health diplomacy visit to share information about health care reform in the United States, as well as discuss the best practices in U.S. health promotion and disease prevention. China is currently debating health care reform to advance the health and well-being of their approximately 1.3 billion citizens. Diseases related to unhealthy eating, lack of regular physical activity, alcohol and tobacco use, high stress, and insufficient rest are growing concerns in China.

CRI President Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), and national chairperson of the PFCD, and Jennifer Cabe, M.A., executive director of CRI and member of the PFCD Advisory Board traveled to China for meetings with members of the Chinese Government, leading corporations, and the media, as well as clinicians, health scientists, public health practitioners, and economists, to share their expertise in disease prevention, health literacy, and management of chronic disease.


November 9-10, 2009 – Phoenix, AZ
CRI President Dr. Richard Carmona Honored by Arizona State University College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Leads Roundtable Discussion

CRI President Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), visited Arizona State University for a series health-related events and an award luncheon at the College of Nursing and Health Innovation, one of the largest nursing schools in the country.

On November 9, Dr. Carmona joined ASU President Michael Crow, Ph.D., ASU Dean and Distinguished Foundation Professor in Nursing Bernadette Melnyk, Ph.D., R.N., CPNP/NPP, FAAN, FNAP, and a select group of hospital, health care, and foundation CEOs for a roundtable discussion. The next day, Dr. Carmona attended a dedication ceremony for a new 84,000-square-foot Nursing and Health Innovation building, located on the downtown Phoenix ASU campus. Following the ceremony, Dr. Carmona was honored at the Dream, Discover, Deliver Award luncheon, where he was presented with the Dream Award for outstanding leadership, excellence, and innovation in health care.

November 9, 2009 – Philadelphia, PA
Canyon Ranch Institute Presents Poster on CRI Life Enhancement Program at Urban Health Plan

Canyon Ranch Institute (CRI) was selected to present a poster at the 137th Annual Meeting and Exposition of the American Public Health Association (APHA) held in Philadelphia November 7 through 11, 2009. Offered in the Alternative and Complementary Health Practices category, the poster was available for review by the over 12,000 conference attendees.

The poster described the program and outcomes for the first class of people who participated in the CRI Life Enhancement Program at Urban Health Plan in the South Bronx, New York. Preliminary evaluation data highlighted early trends, including increased health literacy and positive changes in blood pressure, body-mass index, weight, and depression scores.

Rainy Warf, M.P.H., CHES, CRI program manager for planning and evaluation, answered questions from conference attendees who expressed interest in learning more about this new approach to advancing health literacy through an integrative health model at CRI LEP at UHP.


November 7, 2009 – Tucson, AZ
CRI President Dr. Richard Carmona Delivers Keynote, Recognizes American Indian Veterans

Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), delivered the keynote speech at the Coalition for American Indian Veterans of Southern Arizona’s third annual gathering. The Coalition is a partnership of the Southern Arizona Veterans Affairs Health Care System, the Tucson Area Indian Health Services, and the Tucson Indian Center, and provides assistance in accessing health benefits and patient care services. In his speech, Dr. Carmona, who is a Vietnam Veteran and recipient of two Purple Hearts and a bronze star, honored the American Indian Veterans for their service and dedication to the United States.

November 7, 2009 – Kansas City, MO
CRI Health Literacy and Communication Director Andrew Pleasant Presents at the Conference on Practice Improvement

Andrew Pleasant, Ph.D., CRI Health Literacy and Communication Director, joined members of the Time to Talk CARDIO Advisory Board and others who are piloting Time to Talk CARDIO when he presented at the Conference on Practice Improvement: Constructing the Medical Home. The conference was sponsored by the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine. Time to Talk CARDIO - Creating A Real Dialogue In the Office - is designed to help patients and health care professionals have more productive conversations about heart health. Andrew’s presentation focused on the in-clinic research CRI is conducting in partnership with Oregon Health and Science University Richmond Clinic, and the evidence base of the Time to Talk CARDIO website and tools.


October 29, 2009 – South Bronx, NY
CRI Receives Bronx Spirit Award from Urban Health Plan

Canyon Ranch Institute (CRI) was honored with the Bronx Spirit Award from Urban Health Plan (UHP). The award recognizes individuals or organizations that help to enhance the health and well-being of UHP patients and the Bronx community. CRI’s partnership with UHP began three years ago with the development of the CRI Life Enhancement Program at UHP, a six-week program that focuses on improving participants’ health literacy and increasing prevention by using an integrative approach to health and wellness. The award was presented to CRI during an event celebrating the 35th anniversary of UHP and 80th birthday of UHP Founder Richard Izquierdo, M.D.


October 29, 2009 – South Bronx, NY
CRI and Urban Health Plan Open New Health & Wellness Center in the South Bronx

Canyon Ranch Institute (CRI) and partner organization Urban Health Plan (UHP) celebrated the opening of a new health and wellness center at UHP, a network of federally qualified community health centers based in the South Bronx and Queens. The Urban Health Plan, Inc. Health & Wellness Center, in Partnership with Canyon Ranch Institute — El Centro de Salud y Bienestar, en Cooperación con Canyon Ranch Institute — is “home base” for the Canyon Ranch Institute Life Enhancement Program at Urban Health Plan (CRI LEP at UHP). All CRI LEP at UHP program participants will be able to access the center, which includes state-of-the-art exercise equipment and space for meditation, relaxation, and yoga. This program that has been shown to positively impact participants’ health and well-being and is based on the best practices of Canyon Ranch.

Festivities from the opening of the Heath & Wellness Center included a ribbon-cutting ceremony; testimonials from participants; presentations by UHP Founder Richard Izquierdo, M.D.; UHP President and CEO Paloma Izquierdo-Hernandez, M.P.H.; CRI President Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006); and CRI Executive Director Jennifer Cabe, M.A.


October 4-10, 2009 – Tucson, AZ
Canyon Ranch Institute and Partner the Lance Armstrong Foundation Co-host First-Ever CRI LIVESTRONG Week

Canyon Ranch Institute (CRI) and the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) joined with Canyon Ranch in Tucson to present the first-ever CRI LIVESTRONG Week October 4-10, 2009. During the week, Canyon Ranch guests had the opportunity to attend more than 30 health and wellness activities and lectures that were particularly relevant to anyone interested in cancer prevention and survivorship. As part of the week, CRI and LAF also selected 12 CRI LIVESTRONG Fellows who participated in the week without charge. Some CRI LIVESTRONG Fellows were cancer survivors and others were focused on cancer prevention. Coming from six states, the Fellows ranged in age from 25 to 80 years young and provided detailed feedback about their experiences to help CRI, LAF, and Canyon Ranch better understand the potential for offering future programs that present cancer prevention and survivorship in the context of optimal health and wellness.


September 25, 2009 – Tucson, AZ
CRI Hosts Community Health and Wellness Workshop with Community Educators to Support Community-Based Health Education Project

Promotoras, adult literacy educators, and health educators involved in the Canyon Ranch Institute (CRI) partnership with the Canyon Ranch Center for Prevention and Health Promotion at the University of Arizona’s Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, visited Canyon Ranch for the first-ever CRI Community Health and Wellness Workshop. The workshop was designed by CRI Program Manager for Planning and Evaluation Rainy Warf, M.P.H., CHES, in consultation with numerous participants to help invigorate the educators’ service to their communities and provide a welcome day of rest and reflection for these hard-working community leaders. In a single day, the group of more than 20 participants experienced a sampling of all that Canyon Ranch and CRI have to offer. During the workshop, Canyon Ranch and CRI professionals with backgrounds in exercise physiology, nutrition, health literacy, and behavioral health provided lectures and led experiential sessions. All information was presented in a format that could be adapted to a community setting. The workshop participants all reported feeling rested, rejuvenated, and ready to incorporate some of the tangible information they had learned about health and wellness into the community-service work they do every day.


September 25, 2009 – Scottsdale, AZ
CRI President Dr. Richard Carmona and CRI Executive Director Jennifer Cabe Deliver Medical Grand Rounds at the Mayo Clinic

Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006) and Jennifer Cabe, M.A., executive director of Canyon Ranch Institute, delivered Medical Grand Rounds at the start of the Mayo Clinic Arizona’s conference “Genomics in Everyday Medical Practice.” Dr. Carmona and Jennifer spoke about health literacy and focused on the “U.S. Surgeon General’s Family Health History Initiative,” a national health literacy program developed and launched in November 2004 by the Office of the Surgeon General and the National Human Genome Research Institute of the National Institutes of Health. Attendees at the Mayo Clinic Medical Grand Rounds included more than 200 family medicine and internal medicine physicians, pediatricians, obstetrician/gynecologists, hospitalists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and genetic counselors.

September 22, 2009 – Washington, D.C.
Canyon Ranch Institute Joins National Partners to Introduce Time to Talk CARDIO

With Time to Talk CARDIO partners, Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006) convened a meeting of medical societies, government organizations, and patient advocacy groups in Washington, D.C. to discuss the importance of effective communication between patients and health care professionals and to introduce Time to Talk CARDIO - Creating A Real Dialogue In the Office. The Time to Talk CARDIO program is designed to help patients and health care professionals have more productive conversations about heart health. A key component of Time to Talk CARDIO is a free, cardiovascular, communication skill-building tool that features more than 550 videos demonstrating methods to help make the most of the limited time in a medical visit. CRI Executive Director Jennifer Cabe, M.A., and CRI Health Literacy and Communication Director Andrew Pleasant, Ph.D. serve on the Time to Talk CARDIO Advisory Board. Andrew is also leading the in-clinic research to evaluate the effects of the Time to Talk CARDIO skill-building tool and resources among patients and health care professionals. Time to Talk CARDIO is also being field tested by family physician practices in Ohio, New Jersey, Mississippi, North Carolina, Missouri, and California that were selected by the American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation. The program is expected to launch in additional states in the coming months, and nationally in 2010.


September 21-22, 2009 – San Diego, CA
CRI Strategic Programs Manager Jan McIntire Serves on Faculty of DMAA: The Care Continuum Forum ’09

CRI Strategic Programs Manager Jan McIntire served on the faculty of DMAA: The Care Continuum Alliance 11th annual meeting, The Forum ‘09. At the meeting, leaders in population health management met to exchange information based on the best available evidence and also reviewed outcomes that can help the profession of population health evolve, improve quality, and lower costs. Jan was invited to present during the Obesity Management Series of the meeting. In her presentation, she discussed how CRI’s partnership with the George Washington University’s STOP Obesity Alliance led to development of a formative assessment for a worksite wellness program based on our integrated wellness philosophy. The worksite wellness program supports the STOP Obesity Alliance’s recommendation to redefine success in weight loss.


September 15, 2009 – Washington, D.C.
CRI Executive Director Jennifer Cabe Presents “The Potential and Challenges of Health Literacy” at Institute of Medicine Workshop

Jennifer Cabe, M.A., delivered the closing summary at the Institute of Medicine (IOM) Workshop titled “Integrating Health Literacy in Prevention Programs.” The Workshop was hosted by the IOM Roundtable on Health Literacy, and addressed the need to integrate health literacy into primary and secondary prevention strategies. Invited speakers, as well as members of the public attended the IOM Workshop and discussed questions and reviewed new evidence-based strategies and programs. The IOM Roundtable on Health Literacy has been very active in raising awareness of health literacy issues.


September 10, 2009 – San Antonio, TX
CRI President Dr. Richard Carmona Delivers Keynote at the Salud America! National Summit on Latino Childhood Obesity

Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), delivered the opening keynote address at a Latino childhood obesity summit. The summit was hosted by Salud America!, one of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s newest programs that is working to reverse the dangerous trends in childhood obesity. Dr. Carmona addressed the need for innovative efforts to solve the childhood obesity epidemic and highlighted health disparities faced by the Latino community. The three-day summit in San Antonio brought together leading researchers, policymakers, and community leaders to focus on childhood obesity policy, with a special emphasis on Latino communities.

September 9, 2009 – Washington, D.C.
17th U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona and 16th U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher Join with STOP Obesity Alliance to Present and Discuss Obesity-Related Recommendations for Health Reform

Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006); David Satcher, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Satcher Health Leadership Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine and 16th Surgeon General of the United States (1998–2002); and Christine Ferguson, J.D., director of the STOP Obesity Alliance and research professor at The George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, released the Alliance’s four recommendations for health reform. The recommendations are to make better use of:

  • Standardized and effective clinical interventions;
  • Enhanced use of clinical preventive services;
  • Effective, evidence-based community programs and policies; and
  • Coordinated research efforts.

Discussion of each recommendation followed introductory comments by Dr. Carmona, Dr. Satcher, and Ms. Ferguson that centered on the question "Has America Reached its Tipping Point on Obesity?"


September 2009 – Cleveland, OH
CRI Partnership with Cleveland Clinic Continues HealthCorps Program in Cleveland High Schools

Through the CRI-Cleveland Clinic partnership, the HealthCorps program is continuing for a second academic year (2009-2010) with John F. Kennedy and John Marshall high schools. HealthCorps is a national program that recruits, trains, and employs recent college graduates as on-site coordinators at high schools. The HealthCorps empowers high school students to become educated consumers and community health advocates, and to make shifts in behavior that may be measured by changes in diet, physical fitness, emotional resilience, and self-esteem. In the first year of the program, HealthCorps coordinators Jessica Leslie and Melissa Jennings laid the groundwork for success by teaching classes, learning about the needs of the student population, and establishing positive relationships with faculty. This year, Melissa, Jessica, and colleagues at HealthCorps, Cleveland Clinic, and Canyon Ranch Institute will continue collaborating so that the Health Corps coordinators are able to replicate their success in effectively delivering the HealthCorps curriculum to returning and new students and serving as mentors to the students. As part of the national HealthCorps program, the effectiveness of this Cleveland-area demonstration project will continue to be evaluated.



September 2009 – South Bronx, NY
Data Show Participants in the CRI Life Enhancement Program at Urban Health Plan Lost Weight, Reduced Depression, and Improved Health Literacy

Data from the first cohort of 17 participants in the six-week Canyon Ranch Institute Life Enhancement Program (CRI LEP) at Urban Health Plan reveal that participants have lost weight, are less depressed, and have become more health literate.

The CRI LEP is a comprehensive, integrated approach to helping people improve their health and quality of life through enhanced health literacy. While CRI’s analysis from this cohort is ongoing, early data reveals:

  • Participants lost an average of 3.37 pounds, with the highest individual weight loss of 11 pounds.
  • Using the validated PHQ-9 depression screening scale (0-28 points possible), participants’ scores dropped 6.1 points on average, indicating a reduction in depression.
  • Participants experienced an average drop in blood pressure of 7.8/2.3 mm Hg. For participants with hypertension or in the pre-hypertensive range before the program started, the average drop in blood pressure was 12/7.5 mm Hg.
  • Qualitative analysis revealed that participants developed a desire to learn more about their health – the program increased their health literacy.

Results were tabulated before and after the program and will be used to further refine and adapt the CRI LEP to other organizations and communities.



August 20, 2009 – Washington, D.C.
CRI President Dr. Richard Carmona Delivers Opening Remarks at Health Affairs Conference

Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), provided opening remarks at “Fact vs. Fiction: Key Issues in Health Reform.” This one-day conference was hosted by the journal Health Affairs. At the conference, Dr. Carmona followed C. Everett Koop, M.D., Sc.D., 13th Surgeon General of the United States. In his remarks, Dr. Carmona commented on the importance of reforming the U.S. health care system. The Health Affairs conference served as a platform for discussion on the way health care is paid for and delivered. Panel discussions included the government's role in health care, the implications of the slowing rate of Medicare spending, as well as end-of-life care. Health Affairs is a bimonthly, peer-reviewed journal that explores health policy issues of current concern.


August 14, 2009 – Phoenix, AZ
CRI President Dr. Richard Carmona Addresses Health Disparities and Chronic Disease in Keynote Speech at A. Philip Randolph Institute National Education Conference

Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), and national chairperson of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD) delivered the keynote address at the A. Philip Randolph Institute 40th Annual National Education Conference. Dr. Carmona addressed the need for an increased focus on prevention of chronic disease and public participation in creating solutions in order to reduce the long-standing health disparities in the United States. “We need you to help us create a cultural transformation from a ‘sick care’ system to one rooted in health and prevention,” Dr. Carmona told the enthusiastic and receptive audience. “Chronic diseases are among the most prevalent and costly types of illness - but they are also the most preventable.”

Dr. Carmona highlighted the enormous and unequal burden of chronic disease faced by African American and other traditionally marginalized communities. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that African Americans face significantly higher infant mortality rates than Caucasians, a 50 percent higher age-adjusted death rate from diabetes, and inequities in accessing health insurance.


August 7, 2009 – Dublin, OH
CRI Partner Organization Time to Talk CARDIO Launches in Ohio

Time to Talk CARDIO, a new program to help patients and health care professionals make the most of their conversations about heart health by building communication skills, launched at the Ohio Academy of Family Physicians Members Assembly in Dublin. The Ohio launch follows the successes of the Time to Talk CARDIO programs presented earlier this year in New Jersey and Mississippi. Canyon Ranch Institute is coordinating in-clinic research to assess the impact of this skill-building tool among patients and health care professionals. The program is expected to launch in additional states in the coming months.


July 30–August 1, 2009 – San Diego, CA
CRI Executive Director Jennifer Cabe Addresses State Legislators about "Warrior Wellness"

Jennifer Cabe, M.A., executive director of Canyon Ranch Institute, met with legislators at the Women in Government 12th Annual Western Regional Conference. Jennifer was asked by Women in Government to address the issue of post traumatic stress disorder in U.S. servicemen and women. Jennifer also spoke with the legislators about the integrative health approach to promoting resilience, recovery, and reintegration of servicemen and women, their families, and communities who have experienced psychological stress due to physical and psychological stressors.

Women In Government is a national 501(c)3, non-profit, bi-partisan organization of women state legislators providing leadership opportunities, networking, expert forums, and educational resources to address and resolve complex public policy issues.


July 27–29, 2009 – Washington, D.C.
CRI Strategic Program Manager Jan McIntire Attends CDC’s First Obesity Conference

On behalf of the partnership between Canyon Ranch Institute and the George Washington School of Public Health and Health Services STOP Obesity Alliance, CRI Strategic Programs Manager Jan McIntire attended the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) inaugural conference on obesity prevention and control. Speakers at the “Weight of the Nation” conference included Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D., M.P.H., and STOP Obesity Alliance Director Christine Ferguson, J.D. Christine served on a panel titled Improving Health Outcomes: Integrating Obesity Prevention in Health Reform, and she spoke about the STOP Obesity Alliance's Obesity GPS. The Obesity GPS is a leading-edge navigation tool that provides a set of multi-layered questions that public and private-sector decision makers should consider as they develop policies, programs, and initiatives that affect people with overweight and obesity.


July 23, 2009 – Tucson, AZ
CRI and Partner Organization the Lance Armstrong Foundation Commemorate First Anniversary of National Call to Action on Cancer Prevention and Survivorship

On July 23, 2008, Lance Armstrong and the four most recent U.S. Surgeons General, including CRI President Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), joined collaborators from across the United States to outline a battle plan for the nation’s renewed fight against cancer. Since the launch of the National Call to Action on Cancer Prevention and Survivorship one year ago, many significant advances in the war against cancer have been met, including a plan by President Obama to double funding for cancer research by 2017, legislation that expands access to health insurance and raises federal excise tax on cigarettes, and the regulation of tobacco products by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).


July 23, 2009 – South Bronx, NY
Celebration Marks End of First-Ever CRI Life Enhancement Program at Urban Health Plan

On July 23, 2009, the Canyon Ranch Institute Life Enhancement Program at Urban Health Plan graduated the first cohort of 17 participants. The participants and staff marked the occasion with dancing, cheering, and heartfelt testimonials about the value and positive impacts of participating in the six-week comprehensive health and wellness program. Participants openly shared many personal health and wellness successes that they attributed to the program. These included weight loss, quitting smoking, feeling happier (less depressed), increased health literacy in terms of their ability to read food labels and make healthy decisions based what they read and understood as well as feeling more empowered and better prepared for visits with their health care professionals. Overall, participants in the first cohort reported being more engaged in preventing illness, and in making decisions about their own health care and wellness.


July 22, 2009 – Tucson, AZ
Canyon Ranch Institute Presents Prevention Pioneer Award to Dr. Kenneth P. Moritsugu

CRI presented the Canyon Ranch Institute Prevention Pioneer Award to Kenneth P. Moritsugu, M.D., M.P.H., FACPM on July 22, 2009. In presenting the award, CRI President Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS noted Dr. Moritsugu's tireless commitment to improving health in the United States and globally. As a leader in the Office of the Surgeon General and an admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, Dr. Moritsugu worked to improve wellness, increase prevention, eliminate health disparities, and improve the health literacy of all people through evidence-based science and programming. Through his professional and personal commitment, countless individuals and communities are enjoying healthier lives.


July 20, 2009 – Nogales, AZ
CRI Health Literacy and Communication Director Promotes Health Literacy Awareness along US-Mexico Border

Andrew Pleasant, Ph.D., Canyon Ranch Institute health literacy and communication director, gave a health literacy presentation to members of the Santa Cruz County Adolescent Wellness Network on July 20, 2009 in Nogales, AZ. Members of the network include:

  • Mariposa Community Health Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center;
  • Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools, a public education provider;
  • University of Arizona Cooperative Extension; a youth development provider;
  • Southeastern Arizona Behavioral Health Services, a prevention and treatment provider; and
  • Southeastern Arizona Area Health Education Center, a continuing education provider.

The project is supported by the State Office of Rural Health and hopes to raise the health literacy awareness and wellness levels of youth in Santa Cruz County. Santa Cruz County is a rural, low-income, medically underserved Hispanic/Latino community along the international U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona.

July 20, 2009 – Destin, FL
CRI Partner Organization Time to Talk CARDIO Launches in Mississippi

Following on the successful June launch of Time to Talk CARDIO in New Jersey, the program was presented to Mississippi health care professionals at the Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians Annual Scientific assembly. CRI helped to develop the Time to Talk CARDIO partnership to help patients and health care professionals make the most of their conversations about heart health. The Time to Talk CARDIO program will continue to roll out in additional states throughout the Unites States with a national launch planned in fall 2009.


July 6, 2009 – Washington Heights, NY
CRI Partnerships and Policies Director Christine Sardo Attends HealthCorps National Training Kick-Off

On behalf of the partnership between Canyon Ranch Institute and the Cleveland Clinic, CRI Partnerships and Policies Director Christine Sardo, M.P.H., R.D. attended the HealthCorps National Training Kick-Off. In July, HealthCorps started an intensive month of training new health coordinators who will be deployed across the country as full-time health educators and mentors on topics related to nutrition, physical fitness, and mental resiliency. The HealthCorps training program kicked off on July 6 with an event held at George Washington Educational Campus in Washington Heights, New York. The campus is special to HealthCorps because it is the site of HealthCorps’ first pilot school, which was initiated in 2004 as volunteer lunchtime workshops. During the event, HealthCorps founder and chairman Mehmet Oz, M.D., spoke with HealthCorps staff and guests about the importance of working in and with communities to prevent and reduce obesity by helping teens, families, and communities choose healthy lifestyle options.


June 26–July 3, 2009 – Rio de Janeiro and Mato Grosso, Brazil
CRI Health Literacy and Communication Director Forges New Ties in Brazil, Delivers Presentation at Fiocruz

Andrew Pleasant, Ph.D., Canyon Ranch Institute (CRI) Health Literacy and Communication Director, traveled to and within Brazil during July to explore a potential partnership between CRI and Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz). The potential partnership would focus on the ongoing work of Frederico Peres, Ph.D. and his colleagues in Brazil. At Fiocruz, Dr. Peres is vice-director of the Center for the Study of the Health of Workers and Human Ecology (Centro de Estudos da Saúde do Trabalhador e Ecologia Humana da ENSP) of the Sergio Arouca National School of Public Health (Escola Nacional de Saude Publica Sergio Arouca; ENSP).


June 20, 2009 – Atlantic City, NJ
New Time to Talk CARDIO Partnership Aims to Improve Conversations for Better Heart Health

Canyon Ranch Institute (CRI) helped to develop the Time to Talk CARDIO partnership to help patients and health care professionals make the most of their conversations about heart health. CRI is a member of the partnership because of our commitment to helping to improve health literacy about prevention of chronic disease.

Time to Talk CARDIO was first presented to health care professionals on June 20, 2009, at the New Jersey Academy of Family Physicians (NJAFP) Annual Meeting in Atlantic City, NJ. At the NJAFP Annual Meeting, CRI Health Literacy and Communication Director Andrew Pleasant, Ph.D., and Denis Chagnon, M.D., FAAFP, a family physician and a trustee of the AAFP Foundation, delivered presentations and answered questions for family physicians about Time to Talk CARDIO and how it can help to advance health literacy about heart health.


June 16, 2009 – South Bronx, NY
CRI and Urban Health Plan Launch Life Enhancement Program in South Bronx, NY

Following approximately two years of collaborative planning and program development, the Canyon Ranch Institute Life Enhancement Program (CRI LEP) at Urban Health Plan (UHP) launched in the South Bronx. The CRI LEP at UHP is a dynamic program designed to help people achieve optimal health and joyful living through commitment and long-term change. The program occurs two mornings per week for six weeks, during which UHP health professionals – including a physician, nutritionist, physical therapist, social worker, registered nurse, and pastor – facilitate sessions for participants through informational lectures, group fitness and stress-management activities, a grocery-shopping excursion, and numerous planning sessions for setting health-related goals.


June 5, 2009 – Cleveland, OH
CRI Partner Cleveland Clinic Hosts Health Fair

The Canyon Ranch Institute-Cleveland Clinic HealthCorps Demonstration Project celebrated the “Highway to Health Fair and Festival” on June 5, 2009, at John Marshall High School in Cleveland, Ohio. The Highway to Health Fair and Festival promoted awareness about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, especially nutrition, fitness, and mental resiliency as highlighted in the HealthCorps curriculum. In addition, the health fair served as a community outreach event to highlight the health facilities and resources located in and around the high schools where the Cleveland-area HealthCorps programs are based.

With over 800 visitors, the Highway to Health Fair and Festival offered student-run educational booths and cooking demonstrations in addition to cholesterol and blood pressure screenings. At other booths, Cleveland Clinic physicians and other health professionals from the Cleveland Clinic spoke with the health fair visitors about health and well-being. Music, sports contests, and other activities were also featured, as well as healthy food samples and health-related gifts.


June 5, 2009 – New York City, NY
CRI President Dr. Richard Carmona Delivers Commencement Address at Ross University School Medicine

Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), delivered the commencement address for the Ross University School of Medicine’s graduating class of physicians at Madison Square Garden. In introducing Dr. Carmona, Mary Coleman, M.D., Ph.D., dean of the Ross University School of Medicine, said, “Dr. Carmona’s remarkable achievements stand as an inspiration to us all.” At the ceremony, as a recognition of his contributions, Dr. Carmona received an honorary Doctor of Laws, which is the highest award conferred by the
university.

June 3, 2009 – Sewell, NJ
CRI Health Literacy and Communication Director Dr. Andrew Pleasant Addresses Health Educators on Advancing Health Literacy

Andrew Pleasant, Ph.D., CRI Health Literacy and Communication Director, delivered the opening keynote address titled “Advancing health literacy: Bridging research, practice, and policy” at the day-long workshop titled “Health literacy: A guide to patient-focused care.” This workshop was sponsored by the New Jersey Area Health Education Centers, South Jersey Healthcare, and the New Jersey Geriatric Education Center of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Approximately 50 active health educators attended and participant comments included the suggestion that this was an “excellent presentation that should be mandatory for care providers or anyone employed in the field of client care and contact.”

June 2, 2009 – New Brunswick, NJ
CRI Health Literacy and Communication Director Dr. Andrew Pleasant Joins New Jersey Health Literacy Coalition’s Core Planning Committee

During the first organizational meeting of the New Jersey Health Literacy Coalition, Andrew Pleasant, Ph.D., CRI Health Literacy and Communication Director, was invited to join the core planning committee for this newly formed state-wide coalition. This coalition plans to focus on advancing health literacy in New Jersey. The New Jersey Health Literacy Coalition was formed as a direct outcome of the first New Jersey Health Literacy Summit held in April 2009, at which Andrew was the keynote speaker.

May 27, 2009 – Tucson, AZ
CRI-MEZCOPH Head Start Demonstration Project Successfully Expands to Serve Five Locations in Underserved Communities Across Tucson

The Canyon Ranch Institute – Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health Head Start Demonstration Project completed its second phase in May. This phase of the project involved expanding the Pasos Adelante program from one site to five, all within underserved communities in Tucson. Additionally, the Pasos Adelante curriculum was evaluated within two distinct groups. One group consisted of Head Start parents who were openly recruited at three sites. The second group consisted of Head Start parents who were already participating in a Family Literacy program at two different sites. Family Literacy is a program that teaches parents of young children English, as well as parenting and job skills. Including the Family Literacy component was of great value to the project and greatly enhanced participant recruitment. Based on this success, the MEZCOPH Head Start Demonstration Project is currently working with Family Literacy and Head Start to plan the next steps for the demonstration project.

The Head Start Demonstration Project is intended to teach parents of Head Start children to become better role models by instituting healthy habits, such as exercising and eating more nutritious foods.


May 26, 2009 – Tucson, AZ
CRI President Dr. Richard Carmona Provides Overview at Health Care Town Hall

Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), addressed an audience of 1,000 who attended a bi-partisan health care reform discussion organized by the office of U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords.

Following introductory remarks by Congresswoman Giffords, Dr. Carmona framed the evening’s topic, emphasizing the importance of increasing prevention, eliminating health disparities, and improving health literacy in the consideration of health care reform measures. He explained that the cost burden of health care is growing at such an alarming rate that, if left unchecked, will be “unsustainable by our children.”

J. Lyle Bootman, dean of the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy and member of the Institute of Medicine, presented information about the impact of health care costs related to chronic diseases. In addition, representatives of 14 Tucson-area businesses, organizations, agencies, and special interest groups offered brief position statements that collectively illustrated the complexities of health care reform. The Town Hall concluded with brief statements by more than a dozen members of the audience.

May 21, 2009 – Seattle, WA
CRI President Dr. Richard Carmona Joins Health, Business, and Community Leaders to Announce the Washington Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease

An alliance of leaders in health care, business, and community advocacy launched the Washington chapter of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD) on May 21. Canyon Ranch Institute President Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006) and national chairperson of PFCD delivered the keynote speech at the press conference and highlighted the need for comprehensive health reform to address the growing crisis of chronic disease in Washington and the entire nation.


May 14, 2009 – Washington, D.C.
CRI and Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease Release the 2009 Almanac of Chronic Disease

CRI President Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), and national chairperson of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD) hosted the briefing to release the 2009 Almanac of Chronic Disease on May 14. The Almanac is a comprehensive resource of information and data on chronic disease that clearly demonstrates that improvements in chronic disease prevention and management will save lives and reduce health care spending in our nation. Dr. Carmona was joined at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. by Senator Tom Harkin and PFCD Executive Director Ken Thorpe, Ph.D., who also shared remarks on addressing the chronic disease crisis through comprehensive health reform.


May 9, 2009 – Pikeville, KY
CRI President Dr. Richard Carmona Delivers Keynote Commencement Address at the Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine

Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), delivered the commencement address for the Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine’s graduating class of physicians.

"Understanding the patients, meeting them where they are, undertaking a holistic, integrative approach to their care, to their health – not just becoming people that take care of the sick, but actually embrace the concept of keeping individuals, families, communities, and the nation healthy – that’s what I love about osteopathy," Dr. Carmona said to the class of 2009. He also talked about what it takes to be a good physician. "It's about your heart … it’s about your commitment. It’s about the selfless sacrifice to serve others, and that’s what you’re all about to embark on right now."

During the ceremony, Dr. Carmona was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree in recognition and appreciation for his contributions in medicine, public service, and education.


May 7-9, 2009 – National Harbor, MD
CRI Executive Director Jennifer Cabe Addresses State Legislators about "Warrior Wellness"

Jennifer Cabe, M.A., executive director of Canyon Ranch Institute, met with legislators at the Women in Government 11th Annual Eastern Regional Conference and the 10th Annual Southern Regional Conference. Jennifer was asked by Women in Government to address the issue of post traumatic stress disorder in U.S. servicemen and women. Jennifer also spoke with the legislators about the integrative health approach to promoting resilience, recovery, and reintegration of servicemen and women, their families, and communities who have experienced psychological stress due to physical and psychological stressors.

Women In Government is a national 501(c)3, non-profit, bi-partisan organization of women state legislators providing leadership opportunities, networking, expert forums, and educational resources to address and resolve complex public policy issues.


May 7, 2009 – Irvine, CA
CRI Health Literacy and Communication Director Dr. Andrew Pleasant Leads Sessions at the Institute for Healthcare Advancement’s 8th Annual Health Literacy Conference

CRI Health Literacy and Communication Director Andrew Pleasant, Ph.D., led an interactive session, “Choosing, Evaluating and Implementing a Health Literacy Curriculum” at the Institute for Health Care Advancement’s 8th Annual Health Literacy Conference. The two-day conference brought together clinicians, educators, researchers, policymakers, and others who have a strong understanding of various research programs to present the best practices used in areas with low health literacy, discuss health literacy applications in primary care settings, and identify implementation techniques.

Andrew's session focused on the growing body of health literacy curricula targeted to health care professionals, university and medical students, participants in ABE/ESOL/ESL programs, and the general public. Using an outcome-based process, he presented ideas on developing an approach to selecting and evaluating health literacy curricula.


May 5, 2009 – Grand Rapids, MI
CRI President Dr. Richard Carmona Delivers Keynote Address at the Great Lakes Homeland Security Training Conference

Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), delivered the keynote address at the Great Lakes Homeland Security Training Conference. In his speech, "The Elements of All Hazards Preparedness: Prevention, Response, Mitigation, and Recovery", Dr. Carmona discussed the challenges and opportunities in achieving an integrated and seamless national and global preparedness system. The three-day conference, hosted by the Michigan Department of Community Health Office of Public Health Preparedness, was attended by over 1500 public officials, education representatives, and emergency responders from various disciplines.


May 1, 2009 – Irvine, CA
The University of California, Irvine, hosts CRI President Dr. Richard Carmona as a Chancellor’s Distinguished Fellow

The University of California, Irvine Program in Public Health, hosted Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), and Distinguished Professor of the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health at the University of Arizona, as part of the Chancellor’s Distinguished Fellow Series. Dr. Carmona’s lecture, “Prevention, Preparedness, Plagues and Politics: The Life of the Surgeon General,” addressed the challenges, opportunities, and realities of being a modern-day U.S. Surgeon General. The event was attended by University of California faculty, staff, students, and the public.


April 14, 2009 – Baltimore, MD
CRI President Dr. Richard Carmona Joins National Health Experts to Launch Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease Chapter in Maryland

Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), and national chairperson of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD) delivered the keynote speech at a press conference to launch a partnership to address the burden of chronic disease in Maryland. Along with David Brennan, CEO of AstraZeneca and chairman of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, Dr. Carmona congratulated state and local leaders of Maryland on their commitment to make chronic disease prevention and management a part of comprehensive health reform.


April 07, 2009 – Chicago, IL
CRI President Dr. Richard Carmona Announces the Illinois Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease

Canyon Ranch Institute partner organization the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD) was launched in Illinois on April 7 in an effort to tackle the nation’s number-one cause of death and disability – chronic disease. CRI President Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), and national chairperson of the PFCD delivered the keynote speech to a broad, bipartisan coalition of influential Illinois health care, business, faith and labor leaders at two separate press conferences held in Chicago and the state capital of Springfield.


April 2, 2009 – Columbus, OH
CRI President Dr. Richard Carmona Delivers Keynote at Nationwide Children’s Hospital Childhood Obesity Symposium

Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), delivered the keynote address at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital symposium, "Chronic Diseases in Childhood Obesity: Risks and Benefits of Early Intervention." Obesity now extends not only to both genders and all ethnic groups, but also to all ages, including infants, toddlers, pre-school children, and adolescents. With extreme obesity we see the development of other chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and liver and cardiovascular diseases. Today, research has documented a rise in these chronic conditions among our nation’s children as well.

This two-day symposium focused on the steady rise of chronic and metabolic diseases among overweight children. Sessions highlighted the potential benefits and risks of early screening and therapeutic interventions and explored options to improve patient outcomes and care. The symposium was attended by hundreds of clinicians, researchers, professionals, and community leaders in the field of pediatric obesity.


March 30, 2009 – Austin, TX
CRI Hosts Keynote Presentation at the 2009 Integrated Care Summit

Canyon Ranch Institute hosted the keynote presentation at the 2009 Integrated Care Summit in Austin, Texas. CRI Partnerships and Policies Director Christine Sardo, M.P.H., R.D., provided opening remarks and introduced Christine Ferguson, J.D., director of CRI partner organization Strategies to Overcome and Prevent (STOP) Obesity Alliance , and Louise Milone, administrator of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Health Care Access Trust. SEIU is a member of the STOP Obesity Alliance Steering Committee.

In addition to the CRI-hosted keynote by Christine Ferguson, Ken Thorpe, Ph.D., executive director of CRI partner organization the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, also spoke at the Summit. Dr. Thorpe presented his outlook on prevention of chronic disease and health care reform.

The Summit was organized by the National Association of Manufacturers, the Center for Health Value Innovation, and DMAA: The Care Continuum Alliance. It showcased best practices in employee health and wellness as led by organizations such as Hess Corp., Harley-Davidson Motor Co., Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., Ingersoll Rand, Cisco Systems, Verizon Wireless, and Pitney Bowes. These innovative organizations spoke about how they have improved health and productivity and lowered health-related costs through integrated prevention, wellness, and chronic disease management programs.


March 18, 2009 – Orlando, FL
CRI President Dr. Richard Carmona Joins Four Former Surgeons General to Discuss America’s Health Care System

Five former U.S. Surgeons General, including CRI president Richard Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), met at the Distinguished Lectureship Series at Florida Hospital in Orlando to discuss the challenges facing America’s health care system. The Surgeons General emphasized the need to transform the current “sick care” system from one focused on disease to one based in health and prevention. Millions of Americans do not have access to health care, which results in higher health disparities, disability, and death from preventable diseases.

"Health disparities are the evil twin of racial disparities," said Dr. Carmona. "If you are Hispanic or African-American, you will come to health care later, you will cost society more, and you will die sooner."

Dr. Carmona joined David Satcher, M.D., Ph.D., 16th Surgeon General of the United States (1998-2002), Joycelyn Elders, M.D., M.S., 15th Surgeon General of the United States (1993-1994), Antonia C. Novello, M.D., M.P.H., Dr.Ph., 14th Surgeon General of the United States (1990-1993), and former Acting Surgeon General Kenneth Moritsugu, M.D., M.P.H., in talking about their experiences as Surgeon General, and the challenges the next Surgeon General will face. The event was open to the public.


February 27, 2009 – Washington, D.C.
Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease Hosts Health Care University Briefing

CRI’s partner organization, the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD), hosted its first "Health Care University" briefing, "Making Progress on Health Reform: Where Does Fighting Chronic Disease Fit In?". The PFCD Health Care University is a series of briefings in which top health policy experts speak on health reform topics. CRI Executive Director Jennifer Cabe, M.A., attended the briefing at the Longworth House Office Building in Washington, D.C. The speakers emphasized that disease prevention and management hold the greatest promise for achieving cost-savings in health care while at the same time improving health outcomes.


February 26, 2009 – Salt Lake City, UT
CRI President Dr. Richard Carmona Delivers Keynote Address at the Academic Medical Center Summit at the University of Utah

Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), delivered the keynote address at the Academic Medical Center summit, hosted by the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah. Dr. Carmona’s remarks focused on translating health policy into high-quality care, and described how policy research leads to better community health. He commended CRI partner the Strategies to Overcome and Prevent (STOP) Obesity Alliance for driving innovative and practical strategies that combat obesity. The day-long summit focused on academic medical centers being uniquely positioned to leverage research into outstanding patient care, and extending research into communities. Summit attendees included leadership teams at top academic medical centers from throughout the United States.


February 10, 2009 – San Diego, CA
CRI President Dr. Richard Carmona Delivers Keynote at Defense Centers of Excellence Summit

Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), delivered the keynote address at the Defense Centers of Excellence (DCoE) for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury Strategic Planning Summit. Dr. Carmona spoke about the integrative health approach to promoting resilience, recovery, and reintegration of servicemen and women, their families and communities who have experienced psychological stress due to traumatic brain injury and physical and psychological stressors. Under the leadership of Brigadier General Loree K. Sutton, special assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense, Department of Defense, the DCoE leads a collaborative effort toward optimizing psychological health and traumatic brain injury treatment for the Department of Defense.


January 28, 2009 – South Bronx, NY
Canyon Ranch Spiritual Program Director Jonathan Ellerby Leads CRI Life Enhancement Program Workshop at Urban Health Plan

Jonathan Ellerby, Ph.D., Canyon Ranch Spiritual Program Director and author of Return to the Sacred: Ancient Pathways to Spiritual Awakening (HayHouse, 2009), conducted a workshop with CRI partner Urban Health Plan (UHP). The workshop was held at UHP in the South Bronx. It was an interactive workshop focusing on ideas and practical tools to increase health literacy about the role of spiritual practice as part of mind-body-spirit-emotions balance in an integrated model of health. Participants included UHP professionals who are engaged in the CRI LEP at UHP Demonstration Project, as well as other UHP professionals. In 2007, CRI partnered with UHP to adapt the LEP at Canyon Ranch in Tucson to UHP’s patient population. The LEP started at Canyon Ranch in 1988 as a dynamic program designed to help people achieve optimal health and joyful living through commitment to healthy behaviors. Thousands of participants have experienced the LEP at Canyon Ranch in Tucson. CRI started collaborating with Canyon Ranch and with UHP on the CRI LEP Demonstration Project to better understand how to adapt the LEP to underserved communities throughout the United States and potentially other nations. UHP is recognized as a premier community health center in the nation, serving over 27,000 patients in the South Bronx, New York.


January 27, 2009 – Ann Arbor, MI
CRI President Dr. Richard Carmona Delivers Keynote at University of Michigan School of Public Health

Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), delivered the keynote at the "Public Health Leadership to Improve the Health of Young People" event hosted by the University of Michigan School of Public Health in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Dr. Carmona was joined by Joycelyn Elders, M.D., M.S., 15th Surgeon General of the United States (1993-1994), and Marian Wright Edelman, founder and president of the Children's Defense Fund, who also shared their perspectives about the health of children and young people.


January 20, 2009 – Tucson, AZ
CRI and Canyon Ranch Launch Employee Get Well Program

CRI, in collaboration with Canyon Ranch properties in Tucson, Lenox, Las Vegas, and Miami, has kicked off the Get Well program. More than 200 Canyon Ranch staff members are participating in the 12-week worksite wellness program that emphasizes physical activity, nutrition and stress reduction. Evaluation will be conducted throughout the program using discussion groups and a series of online surveys, after which the program will be modified as indicated by the evaluation results. Get Well emphasizes that even slight changes, such as a 5 to 10 percent loss of excess weight, can have a positive influence on health problems.

January 12-13, 2009 – Tucson, AZ
Canyon Ranch Institute Hosts First CRI Visiting Scholar Dr. Andrew Pleasant

Andrew Pleasant, Ph.D., is the first CRI Visiting Scholar. Now a university professor, author, and thought leader in the area of health literacy, he grew up working on his parents’ small-town weekly newspapers. He continues communicating professionally through practice and research in the areas of health literacy, science, health, environmental communication, and social marketing. Dr. Pleasant received his doctoral degree from Cornell University, and is now an assistant professor at Rutgers University in the Department of Human Ecology and the Extension Department of Family and Community Health Sciences. He also lectures and consults internationally.


January 7, 2009 - Tucson, AZ
CRI and Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health Celebrate Successful First Head Start Demonstration Project

Participants at the South Tucson site of the first Head Start Demonstration Project presented by Canyon Ranch Institute in partnership with the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health (MEZCOPH) concluded their 12-week program. CRI and MEZCOPH developed the demonstration project to support the prevention of chronic disease in children. The program is made up of interactive sessions during which parents and grandparents of preschool children learn about exercise, stress-reduction, and healthy eating. Sessions at the South Tucson Head Start Center were taught in Spanish to improve communication among the participants, all of whom are non-native English speakers.

The outcomes of the first Head Start Demonstration Project include that the participants – mothers and grandmothers of children under age 5 – reported that they had learned new health information and strategies that they will use to make their lives and their children’s lives healthier. In addition, participants’ blood samples were tested before they started the demonstration project, and after they completed it 12 weeks later. The results of those measurements will help CRI and MEZCOPH to determine short-term health outcomes of this demonstration project. In addition, the graduates of the demonstration project have agreed to be re-surveyed in three months to help CRI and MEZCOPH understand if they were able to sustain the health changes they made in how they cook, eat, and exercise. Based on the success of this demonstration project, the CRI-MEZCOPH partnership will launch demonstration projects at four additional Tucson Head Start centers through 2009 as well as continue collaborating with participants at the South Tucson Head Start Center.

To celebrate the success of the participants in this first demonstration project, Canyon Ranch Executive Chef Justin Morrow and Canyon Ranch Chef Fernando Vera visited the South Tucson Head Start Center to demonstrate healthy cooking techniques and share one of Canyon Ranch’s healthy recipes. To ensure that all of the ingredients used in the recipe were accessible to all participants in this low-income community, the ingredients for the recipe were purchased on a tight budget at a local grocery store.


2008 Events

December 9, 2008 – Washington, D.C.
CRI and Other Health Leaders Release STOP Obesity Alliance Tool

Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, President of Canyon Ranch Institute, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), and Health and Wellness Chairperson of the STOP Obesity Alliance Steering Committee, joined leaders from the American Heart Association, American Medical Group Association, and George Washington University to release the new Obesity GPS (Guide for Policy and Program Solutions). At an open meeting held at the U.S. Capitol, they discussed how the Obesity GPS can help public- and private-sector decision-makers craft more effective policies and programs to combat obesity.

The Obesity GPS is a leading-edge navigation tool developed by the Strategies to Overcome and Prevent (STOP) Obesity Alliance. It is designed to guide public- and private-sector decision-makers reduce obesity, overweight, and weight-related health risks in the United States. Dr. Carmona spoke about the importance of making obesity a public health priority and the need to use evidence-based research results as a foundation for all policies and programs aimed at solving America’s obesity problems.

The Obesity GPS will help decision-makers develop, analyze, and evaluate research initiatives, specific health interventions, and policies that may impact health care and health care professionals, as well as help reduce the human and economic burdens obesity places on America.


December 9, 2008 – Washington, D.C.
CRI Leadership Renews Commitment to the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease

At the final Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD) Advisory Board meeting of 2008, Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), president of CRI, and national chairperson of PFCD, and Ken Thorpe, Ph.D., executive director of PFCD, reflected on the dedication and accomplishments of the organization’s members. More than 120 national organizations, including Canyon Ranch Institute, are partners in PFCD. At this meeting of the PFCD Advisory Board, Dr. Carmona, Dr. Thorpe, and PFCD members, including Jennifer Cabe, M.A., executive director of CRI, renewed their commitment to educating the public and our nation’s policymakers on the need to better prevent and manage chronic disease.

PFCD succeeded in 2008 by reaching out to all sectors of society – including elected leaders and candidates for office – by mobilizing local and national efforts to spread the prevention message, and by promoting commitment to finding solutions to the health care crisis. PFCD has made chronic disease an unprecedented part of the discourse on health care reform in the United States. At its 2007 launch, PFCD set out to educate the public about chronic disease and potential solutions for individuals and communities; mobilize Americans to call for change in how governments, employers, and health institutions approach chronic disease; and challenge policymakers on the health policy changes that are necessary to effectively fight chronic disease. By uniting non-traditional allies under an action-oriented platform for change, PFCD has made an impact in all three areas.


December 8, 2008 – Phoenix, AZ
CRI Program Manager Rainy Warf Presents the National Call to Action to Arizona Cancer Coalition

CRI Program Manager Rainy Warf, M.P.H., CHES, spoke at the quarterly meeting of the Arizona Comprehensive Cancer Control Coalition to present the National Call to Action on Cancer Prevention and Survivorship. Canyon Ranch Institute was invited to present the National Call to Action to this state-wide coalition of more than 50 organizations that are focused on reducing cancer disease and death. The Coalition formed in response to the Arizona Cancer Control Program through the Arizona Department of Health Services. The National Call to Action is a roadmap for the private sector, policymakers, and all Americans to take decisive action in making cancer prevention and survivorship a national priority. Rainy urged attendees to translate the National Call to Action strategies into action statewide. With gastric cancer as the special topic of the meeting, numerous experts shared their perspectives on prevention, early detection and screening, research, and health disparities. The Coalition then divided into working groups to discuss cancer prevention and control activities, including how strategies outlined in the National Call to Action can be applied within organizations and implemented at the state and community levels.


December 04, 2008 – Tucson, AZ
CRI President Dr. Richard Carmona Addresses Mayors’ Healthy City Summit

Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), addressed the first annual Mayors’ Healthy City Summit in Tucson, Arizona, to discuss the national health care crisis and need for evidence-based solutions. Organized by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the summit seeks to provide participating mayors with health information, encourage them to implement active living and healthy-eating strategies. The summit is part of a national effort by the U.S. Conference of Mayors to support and create healthy cities through the use of evidence-based best practices developed among the membership. The special focus of the meeting was reversing obesity and creating healthy communities.

Dr. Carmona remarked that local governments can often act with expediency, effectiveness, and entrepreneurial spirit to address health issues by focusing on prevention, preparedness, eliminating health disparities, and applying culturally competent messaging and practices. He went on to explain that “all policy is health policy” and urged local leaders to consider the health consequences of all decisions. He concluded with a series of best practices for creating healthy communities, which included encouraging leaders to reach out to organizations like the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease to increase awareness of prevention and reduce chronic disease in their communities.

The summit was attended by mayors and mayoral staff members from cities in California, Kentucky, Texas, Minnesota, New York, New Mexico, Massachusetts, and Arizona, and representatives from the National Conference of State Legislators, KaBOOM!, and other organizations.

October 30, 2008 – Columbia, MO
CRI team members Jennifer Cabe and Rainy Warf Speak at Health Literacy Missouri Partners Meeting

Health Literacy Missouri invited CRI Executive Director Jennifer Cabe, M.A., and CRI Program Manager Rainy Warf, M.P.H., CHES, to the Health Literacy Missouri Partners Meeting to present the latest news about the CRI Life Enhancement Program (LEP). The Partners Meeting participants, who are involved in health literacy programs in Missouri and neighboring states, learned that CRI is establishing partnerships with health organizations to transfer the best practices of Canyon Ranch to underserved communities to prevent, diagnose, and address chronic diseases through an integrative approach that educates, inspires, and empowers all people to embrace a life of wellness. The CRI LEP is based on the Canyon Ranch LEP that started at Canyon Ranch in Tucson in 1989 to help people achieve optimal health and joyful living. Today, CRI and our LEP partners collaborate to adapt and customize the Canyon Ranch LEP in a manner that is health literate and culturally relevant to each community.


October 29, 2008 – San Diego, CA
CRI President Dr. Richard Carmona Speaks about Public Health Leadership and Collaboration at the American Public Health Association Annual Meeting

Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, President of Canyon Ranch Institute and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), joined David Satcher, M.D., Ph.D., 16th Surgeon General of the United States (1998-2002) and Joycelyn Elders, M.D., M.S., 15th Surgeon General of the United States (1993-1994) at the closing session of the American Public Health Association (APHA) 136th annual meeting. In his remarks, Dr. Carmona talked about prevention, eliminating health disparities, and the value of improving health literacy. He also spoke about the collaborative activities among all of the former Surgeons General to promote the health, safety, and security of our nation and the world. Dr. Carmona explained that “Once a Surgeon General, always a Surgeon General.” As one example of their ongoing commitment to the health of all communities, Dr. Carmona and the other Surgeon General highlighted the National Call to Action on Cancer Prevention and Survivorship, which was developed under the leadership of the four most recent U.S. Surgeons General, and outlines the battle plan for the new war on cancer.


October 25, 2008 – New York, NY
Oncology Health Care Professionals Learn About National Call to Action on Cancer Prevention and Survivorship from CRI President Dr. Richard Carmona

Delivering the annual Caroline Jaffe Memorial Lecture at the Advances in Cancer Research and Practice Conference sponsored by Columbia University and its Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), presented the National Call to Action on Cancer Prevention and Survivorship to nearly 600 oncology nurses, physicians, pharmacists, and other professionals whose work centers on cancer. The CNE-accredited one-day conference was held in New York City and provided attendees with the opportunity to learn about advances in cancer treatment, trials, therapies, and supportive care. Attendees received the full text of the National Call to Action and the companion magazine-style Peoples' Piece in the audience guide provided by conference organizers. The Caroline Jaffe Lecture honors the work of Ms. Jaffe, a nurse, author and speaker known for her work in hospice care.'


October 24, 2008 – Manchester and Keene, NH
CRI President Dr. Richard Carmona Visits New Hampshire to Raise Awareness of Promising Practices to Prevent Chronic Disease

The New Hampshire chapter of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD) launched Keeping America Healthy: A Guide to Successful Programs, a resource highlighting ways to improve health and health care through proven prevention strategies. Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), and chairperson of the PFCD, met with public officials, community leaders, health care professionals, health advocates, and hospital executives about the chronic disease burden in New Hampshire.

Speaking at the Manchester Chamber of Commerce and joined by Manchester Mayor Frank Guinta, Dr. Carmona provided an overview of the Guide to Successful Programs and noted two new programs being adopted locally—“The Passport to Cardiovascular Health” and “Safe Routes to Schools Program.” The PFCD New Hampshire chapter hosted its second launch event at Cheshire Medical Center/Dartmouth Hitchcock in Keene, New Hampshire. At the Keene event, Dr. Carmona was joined by Keene Mayor Dale Pregent, who described the local Vision 2020 initiative and declared October 24, 2008 “Chronic Disease Awareness Day” for the city of Keene.


October 23, 2008 – Washington, D.C.
CRI President Dr. Richard Carmona Discusses Childhood Obesity During the Surgeons General Panel at the National Summit of Clinicians for Healthcare Justice

The National Summit of Clinicians for Healthcare Justice opened with the Former Surgeons General Keynote Panel on Confronting Childhood Obesity in America: Implications for Health Policy. Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), spoke on the panel along with David Satcher, M.D., Ph.D., 16th Surgeon General of the United States (1998-2002); Antonia C. Novello, M.D., M.P.H., Dr.Ph., 14th Surgeon General of the United States (1990-1993); C. Everett Koop, M.D., Sc.D., 13th Surgeon General of the United States (1982-1989); and Acting Surgeon General Rear Admiral Steven K. Galson, M.D., M.P.H.

The U.S. Surgeons General discussed how childhood obesity affects the U.S. health system and the implications that will be seen for years if action is not taken to end the obesity epidemic. Each of the U.S. Surgeons General also stressed the need to encourage and enable active, healthy lifestyles for our nation's youth to help combat this epidemic.


October 7, 2008 – Tucson, AZ
CRI-MEZCOPH Partnership Launches Head Start Demonstration Project in Southside Tucson

CRI and the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health (MEZCOPH) launched the first phase of the CRI-MEZCOPH partnership’s Pasos Adelante demonstration project. The demonstration project is based at the Southside Tucson Head Start center. Pasos Ademante is a Spanish phrase that translates into English as “Steps Forward.” The original Pasos Adelante program was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CRI-MEZCOPH partnership is adapting the program for Spanish-speaking families of Head Start children. The goal of this demonstration project is to determine if by changing the home and Head Start environments in which children spend most of their time, the children’s risk factors for chronic diseases can be reduced. The CRI-MEZCOPH demonstration project is supporting the prevention of chronic disease in children, including but not limited to asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and pulmonary disease. While their children attend the Head Start center, mothers and grandmothers take time to walk as a group, cook healthy meals together, and learn the importance of these healthy activities in preventing chronic disease. By implementing these healthy habits in their daily lives, the mothers and grandmothers who are raising the children help to improve their own health and also model these healthy behaviors for their children.


September 26 – 27, 2008 – Washington, D.C.
CRI Executive Director Jennifer Cabe Invites State Legislators to Make Cancer Prevention and Survivorship a National Priority

Recognizing the continuing health and economic threat posed by cancer and the unique role that survivors can play as advocates for improved access to prevention and treatment, Women In Government — a non-profit, bipartisan organization of women state legislators — hosted its first annual Breast Cancer Policy is Personal: Legislative Survivors' Summit focusing on advances in breast cancer treatment and prevention, eliminating health disparities, and advancing survivorship in advocacy. Canyon Ranch Institute Executive Director Jennifer Cabe, M.A. was invited to present the National Call to Action on Cancer Prevention and Survivorship to summit participants as the battle plan that encompasses all we know and all we need to confront cancer and make cancer prevention and survivorship a national priority.

The summit brought together an influential group of policymakers who are also breast cancer survivors, state agency representatives, and public health advocates to discuss advancements in detecting and treating breast cancer, tactics for breast cancer prevention and treatment, and eliminating cancer health disparities.


September 24 – 26, 2008 – Tokyo, Japan
CRI and the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease Meet with Japanese Leaders About the Importance of Chronic Disease Prevention

Canyon Ranch Institute and the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease were invited to meet with Japanese leaders in Tokyo, Japan, to help advance the health and well-being of the Japanese people by sharing promising health practices underway in the United States. Diseases related to unhealthy eating, lack of regular physical activity, alcohol and tobacco use, and insufficient rest are a growing concern in Japan, and as Japan experiences a rapidly aging population, innovative disease management strategies are needed to continue to provide timely and patient-focused care.

Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), president of CRI, and national chairperson of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, and Jennifer Cabe, M.A., executive director of CRI, traveled to Japan for meetings with members of the National Diet of Japan (Japan's legislature), leading corporations, and the health care media, as well as government officials, clinicians, health scientists, public health practitioners, and economists, to share their expertise in promoting health and wellness through prevention and management of chronic disease.


September 15, 2008 – Minneapolis, MN
CRI President Dr. Richard Carmona Moderates Health Care Reform Panel at General Mills

Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), and chairperson of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease delivered the keynote address at a health care reform event at the General Mills World Headquarters, during which he stressed the need for elected officials to include the prevention of chronic disease in their health care reform platforms. The keynote was followed by a panel discussion on the politics of health care reform, featuring representatives from the John McCain and Barack Obama presidential campaigns. Event attendees included General Mills employees and executives, local media, and Minnesota health care leaders.


September 12, 2008 – Tucson, AZ
CRI Joins Fight Back Express Bus Tour to Mobilize Cancer Action in Tucson

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is sponsoring the Fight Back Express, a nationwide bus tour with the goal of building a grassroots movement united in its mission to make cancer a top national priority. The Fight Back Express stopped outside the Arizona Cancer Center on September 12 to connect with local community members, local leaders, and the media about the importance of government as a critical partner in defeating cancer. Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006) spoke at the event, highlighting the need for greater prevention of chronic diseases, such as cancer. He called attention to the National Call to Action on Cancer Prevention and Survivorship and urged all Americans to take action to make cancer prevention and survivorship a national priority.


September 09, 2008 – East Brunswick and Camden, NJ
CRI President Dr. Richard Carmona Launches New Jersey Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease with Diverse New Jersey Leaders

The New Jersey Chapter of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD) was launched on September 9 to raise awareness of the health and economic burdens of chronic disease and to communicate how the New Jersey community can take action to improve the health and wellness of our nation. Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), and chairperson of the PFCD spoke at two press conferences, where he discussed the impact of chronic disease in our nation and how local PFCD chapters are bringing this important issue to the attention of media and policymakers. The PFCD New Jersey co-chairs, former New Jersey Governor Jim Florio and David L. Knowlton, president and CEO of the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute, also spoke at the events.


August 28, 2008 – Cleveland, OH
CRI and Cleveland Clinic Launch HealthCorps Demonstration Project in Two Cleveland Schools

The CRI-Cleveland Clinic partnership realized a significant accomplishment in the HealthCorps Demonstration Project when HealthCorps Coordinators began working full time in two underserved Cleveland high schools on August 28. Throughout the upcoming school year, the two HealthCorps Coordinators will serve as mentors to the students enrolled at the John F. Kennedy and John Marshall high schools while delivering the HealthCorps curriculum.


July 23, 2008 – Washington, D.C.
Lance Armstrong and Four Former U.S. Surgeons General Issue National Call to Action on Cancer Prevention and Survivorship

Lance Armstrong, chairman and founder of the Lance Armstrong Foundation, and an unprecedented gathering of the former U.S. Surgeons General Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., 17th United States Surgeon General (2002-2006); David Satcher, M.D., Ph.D., 16th United States Surgeon General (1998-2002); Joycelyn Elders, M.D., M.S., 15th United States Surgeon General (1993-1994); and Antonia C. Novello, M.D., M.P.H., Dr.Ph., 14th United States Surgeon General (1990-1993), came together at the National Press Club in Washington D.C. to announce the National Call to Action on Cancer Prevention and Survivorship.

The National Call to Action was created through collaboration with the cancer community to outline the goals and strategies that will help all Americans to take decisive action in making cancer prevention and survivorship a national priority. At the press conference, the U.S. Surgeons General outlined the battle plan for the new war on cancer and shared steps that Americans can take to reduce the risk of developing cancer and improve screening, early detection, treatment, and survivorship.


July 23 – 24, 2008 – South Bronx, NY
CRI and Urban Health Plan Launch First Phase of the Life Enhancement Program in South Bronx, NY

CRI and Urban Health Plan reached another important milestone in the development of the Life Enhancement Program demonstration project by conducting a two-day preview at UHP. Participants experienced all the components of the Life Enhancement Program in a concentrated format and then provided feedback to UHP presenters and planners. The CRI-UHP team is actively engaged in reviewing the lessons learned at the preview and making applicable enhancements and modifications in preparation for the full demonstration program.


May 29, 2008 – Columbus, OH
CRI President Dr. Richard Carmona Discusses Chronic Disease Prevention and Management at Statewide Community Forum in Ohio

The Ohio Chapter of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD) hosted a statewide forum on chronic disease on May 29 in Columbus, Ohio. Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), and chairperson of the PFCD, opened the event by providing a national view of chronic disease prevention and management and the goals of the PFCD. The keynote address was followed by a panel discussion that highlighted several chronic disease prevention and management efforts underway in Ohio. Forum attendees included Ohio PFCD partners, state legislators, policy advisors, health advocates, statewide associations and businesses, and representatives from the Ohio Departments of Health, Insurance, Aging, and Administrative Services.


May 22, 2008 – Washington, D.C.
CRI President Dr. Richard Carmona Announces New Research on Workplace Weight Management Acceptance

Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), and health and wellness chairperson of the Strategies to Overcome and Prevent (STOP) Obesity Alliance Steering Committee, spoke at a STOP briefing at the National Press Club, where he highlighted new research conducted by STOP and the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago. The research indicates that employees and employers agree that the workplace is an appropriate setting for responding to weight management issues. Dr. Carmona discussed the need for obesity prevention and the role employers can play in promoting healthy lifestyles. In response to this research, two Alliance Steering Committee members, DMAA: The Care Continuum Alliance, and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), partnered to evaluate an obesity benefit designed by the DMAA that may be piloted by SEIU employees.


May 07, 2008 – Tucson, AZ
Canyon Ranch Institute Presents Prevention Pioneer Award to Dr. Julio Frenk

CRI presented the Canyon Ranch Institute Prevention Pioneer Award to Julio Frenk, M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D. on May 7, 2008. In presenting the award, Executive Director Jennifer Cabe noted Dr. Frenk's leadership in global public health and health diplomacy. Dr. Frenk, Mexico's Minister of Health from 2000 to 2006, is a senior fellow in the global health program of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and president of the Carso Health Institute in Mexico, a non-profit organization focused on health-systems innovations in Latin America. Dr. Frenk was named Dean of the College of Public Health at Harvard University in July 2008.


April 28, 2008 – Los Angeles, CA
2008 Milken Institute Global Conference: CRI President Dr. Richard Carmona Moderates Chronic Disease Panel

A diverse panel of experts came together at the 2008 Milken Institute Global Conference to discuss the growing burden of chronic disease. Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006) moderated the panel, entitled "An Unhealthy America: Obesity and the Economic Implications of Chronic Disease." Dr Carmona highlighted the need for improved health literacy and noted drastic health disparities across the socioeconomic spectrum. Panelists stressed the need for a health infrastructure that involves both the public and private sectors, and encourages balance, health literacy, and sustainable behavior change.


April 24, 2008 – Washington, D.C.
National Call to Action on Cancer Prevention and Survivorship Workshop

A diverse assembly of key leaders in public health, science, government, business, health care, and other relevant fields came together at the NCTA Workshop on April 24, 2008 in Washington, D.C. to continue discussions on how to bring together the best available science in a way that emphasizes prevention and survivorship in relation to the cancer continuum.

Workshop attendees participated in three panels, including Cancer: A Public Health Crisis; Defining a Public Health Approach toward Cancer Prevention and Survivorship; and Empowering All People to Take Action. The shared information from the Workshop was used to develop public health strategies that were incorporated into the National Call to Action on Cancer Prevention and Survivorship.


April 18, 2008 – Philadelphia, PA
CRI President Dr. Richard Carmona Discusses Chronic Disease Prevention at Thomas Jefferson University

Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), and chairperson of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, a Canyon Ranch Institute partner, spoke at Thomas Jefferson University regarding the prevention and treatment of chronic disease. Dr. Carmona described the economic drain of chronic disease on Pennsylvania's economy and stressed the need for increased health literacy for all Americans. The event concluded with an interactive discussion.


April 08, 2008 – Washington, D.C.
CRI President Dr. Richard Carmona, Senator Edward Kennedy, and AstraZeneca CEO David Brennan Discuss Chronic Disease at Policy Briefing

Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute (CRI), 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), and chairperson of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD), Senator Edward Kennedy, and AstraZeneca CEO David Brennan participated in a Capitol Hill Health Policy Briefing focused on prevention and management of chronic disease. Dr. Carmona spoke on behalf of PFCD, a CRI partner, stating that "Seventy-five cents of every dollar you're spending on health care is on chronic disease, much of which is preventable."


March 20 and March 31, 2008 – Tucson, AZ
National Call to Action on Cancer Prevention and Survivorship Pre-Workshops

Two different groups of experts in cancer prevention and survivorship met at Canyon Ranch Institute for pre-workshops to start developing the National Call to Action on Cancer Prevention and Survivorship. The primary focus of Pre-Workshop #1 on March 20 was to review potential key topics, identify potential stakeholders, and create a framework for the NCTA. The purpose of Pre-Workshop #2 on March 31 was to continue discussions about the NCTA structure and to begin outlining goals that will translate the best science available into a roadmap for action with focal points emphasizing cancer prevention and survivorship.


March 04, 2008 – Denver, CO
CRI President Dr. Richard Carmona Announces the Colorado Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease Alongside a Diverse Panel of Colorado Leaders

The Colorado Chapter of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD) was launched on March 4 with a keynote speech at the State Capitol by Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), and chairperson of the PFCD, a Canyon Ranch Institute partner. Dr. Carmona was joined at the news conference by the PFCD Colorado panel of co-chairs, including First Lady Jeannie Ritter, former Governors Bill Owens and Roy Romer, and former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb. This distinguished group will lead Colorado's bipartisan coalition as it strives to make chronic disease the key health care issue in the 2008 presidential election.

Dr. Carmona also spoke at a second news conference held in the afternoon at the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region in Colorado Springs. Colorado Springs has emerged as a national leader in the effort to target chronic diseases through its Pioneering Healthy Communities initiative being spearheaded by the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region. The project drives policy, new programming, and structural and environmental change in communities to promote healthy lifestyles.


January 31, 2008 – Los Angeles, CA
Fighting Chronic Disease: Building a Consensus Platform for Health Care Reform – Panel Discussion

Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), and chairperson of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, a Canyon Ranch Institute partner, moderated a panel discussion attended by more than 120 leaders in health care, business, and entertainment to discuss the role that chronic disease prevention and management must have in the next president's health care agenda. The panelists cited rising rates of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, as a significant factor in escalating health care costs.

Following the panel, Lawrence O'Donnell Jr., senior political analyst for MSNBC and Emmy-winning producer of the "West Wing" television program, moderated a discussion with attendees about the issue and how to build consensus in health care reform.


January 18, 2008 – Austin, TX
CRI President Dr. Richard Carmona and Lance Armstrong Announce Partnership

Lance Armstrong, founder and chairman of the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF), and Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), were joined by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg in Austin, Texas, to announce the new partnership between Canyon Ranch Institute and the Lance Armstrong Foundation. The partnership will focus on cancer prevention and survivorship and making cancer a national priority.

On January 18, Canyon Ranch Institute and the LAF released Lance's request to Dr. Carmona to create a national strategy to combat cancer, and Dr. Carmona's response. Dr. Carmona and previous U.S. Surgeons General will collaborate with the cancer prevention and survivorship community to develop a National Call to Action on Cancer Prevention and Survivorship.


January 14, 2008 – Phoenix, AZ
CRI President Dr. Richard Carmona Addresses Arizona Leaders at Legislative Session Opening

Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006) gave the keynote address at the opening of the Arizona Legislature, urging all Arizona State Senators and a full gallery of visitors to invest in disease prevention. As a follow-up to his prevention-focused message, the Arizona Daily Star published an op-ed by Dr. Carmona that calls on all citizens to support prevention as a key strategy in overcoming the nation's health care cost crisis.


2007 Events

November 08, 2007 – Des Moines, IA
CRI President Dr. Richard Carmona Meets With Leaders of the Iowa Democrat and Republican Parties Regarding Bipartisan Caucus Resolution on Chronic Disease

Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), and chairperson of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, a Canyon Ranch Institute partner, met with leaders of the Iowa Democrat and Republican parties regarding the importance of bringing the effort to fight chronic disease to the forefront of the health care debate.


November 02, 2007 – Washington, D.C.
STOP Obesity Alliance Special Event

Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), and health and wellness chairperson of the Strategies to Overcome and Prevent (STOP) Obesity Alliance, a Canyon Ranch Institute partner, spoke about the U.S. obesity epidemic and the newly released report by The George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services and the STOP Obesity Alliance at The George Washington University, Jack Morton Auditorium on November 2.


October 02, 2007 – Washington, D.C.
Milken Institute Announces Groundbreaking Study

In a groundbreaking study released by the Milken Institute, the annual economic impact on the U.S. economy of the most common chronic diseases is calculated to be more than $1 trillion, which could balloon to nearly $6 trillion by the middle of the century. At the press conference announcing the release of this study, Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), and chairperson of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, a Canyon Ranch Institute partner, called for a cultural transformation in health care that focuses on prevention.


September 24, 2007 – Concord, NH
CRI President Dr. Richard Carmona Announces the Partnership for Chronic Disease's "Ideas for Change" Campaign in New Hampshire alongside New Hampshire First Lady Dr. Susan Lynch

In New Hampshire, Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), and chairperson of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD), a Canyon Ranch Institute partner, rolled out PFCD's "Ideas for Change" in health care, which calls on all 2008 presidential candidates to address the country's chronic disease crisis in their health care plans.


August 21, 2007 – Columbia, SC
CRI President Dr. Richard Carmona Speaks at the University of South Carolina Arnold School of Public Health

Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute, 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), and chairperson of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, a Canyon Ranch Institute partner, addressed students and faculty at the University of South Carolina's Arnold School of Public Health, where he called on current and future policymakers to focus on chronic disease prevention.


May 15, 2007 – Washington, D.C.
National Bipartisan Coalition Forms to Make Chronic Disease the Key Health Care Issue in 2008 Presidential Election

Leading experts and organizations in the health care, business, and labor communities came together today to launch the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD), a coalition committed to making the issue of chronic disease the key health care issue in the 2008 presidential election. PFCD is a Canyon Ranch Institute partner, and Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of CRI and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), serves as Chairperson of the PFCD.


February 16, 2007 – Miami, FL
Canyon Ranch Institute Prevention Pioneer Award Ceremony

Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006) presented the family-focused media company, Todobebé, with the first-ever Canyon Ranch Institute Prevention Pioneer Award.


January 23, 2007 – New York, NY
Canyon Ranch Institute Unveils 2007 Year of Wellness and Prevention at Urban Health Plan

Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, president of Canyon Ranch Institute and 17th Surgeon General of the United States (2002-2006), announced Canyon Ranch Institute's 2007 agenda: "The Year of Wellness and Prevention," which aims to empower all people to strengthen the body, mind, and spirit of themselves, their families, and their communities. At the event, Dr. Carmona pledged 10 scholarships to Urban Health Plan, which serves over 27,000 patients in the South Bronx. The scholarships will be awarded to staff members at Urban Health Plan to participate in the weeklong Canyon Ranch Life Enhancement Program in Tucson, Arizona.