In October, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and the Independence Blue Cross (IBC) Foundation joined forces to host a one-day childhood wellness conference called “Healthy Futures: A recipe for childhood wellness.” CHOP and the IBC Foundation are partners in the IBC Foundation’s Healthy Futures Program — a three-year, $3 million program and research study aimed at improving childhood health and wellness and reducing childhood obesity. CHOP provides the “Stay well” component by supplying a school nurse (funded by the IBC Foundation) to complete health assessments for children, teach wellness lessons, and provide any supplemental health care needed.

The event featured many speakers from CHOP including CEO Steven Altschuler, MD. It also featured keynote speaker Larry Soler, JD, president and CEO, Partnership for a Healthier America, and a cook-off between Jose Garces and Marc Vetri, judged by kids.