NB3 Foundation Gets $$ for Childhood Obesity & Type 2 Diabetes Prevention

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall announced today that New Mexico-based Notah Begay III (NB3) Foundation will receive the first of two $293,513 grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to combat childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes at San Felipe Pueblo.

The NB3 Foundation will use the funding for San Felipe Pueblo: Turning the Tide Against Childhood Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes, a community-based program that will address the many factors involved in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This will include community engagement, mobilization and leadership development; improved access to healthy foods; culturally appropriate nutrition education for children and families and increased access to physical fitness activities.

"Preventing obesity is one of the key factors in reducing the diabetes epidemic and improving the well-being of our children and families in Indian Country," said Udall. "Programs like Turning the Tide recognize the importance of community involvement and the need for a comprehensive approach to address this concerning problem."

The Notah Begay III (NB3) Foundation was established in 2005 by four-time PGA TOUR winner Notah Begay III-the only full-blooded Native American on the PGA TOUR. The mission of the NB3 Foundation is to reduce the incidences of childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes and promote the leadership development of Native American youth through evidence-based sports, health and wellness programs.

Based at the Santa Ana Pueblo, the NB3 Foundation operates soccer, golf, health and youth leadership programming at San Felipe Pueblo, in the greater Albuquerque area and other tribal communities in New Mexico, including the Navajo Nation community of To'hajiilee.

Udall is a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee and has supported funding for the Special Diabetes Program for Indians.