Child Health Day, 2007

Proclamation 8184 of October 1, 2007

Child Health Day, 2007

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Our Nation is committed to the health and well-being of
our youth. On Child Health Day, we reaffirm our
commitment to helping children develop good nutrition
habits and active lifestyles, so that they can grow
into healthy and productive adults.

Children today face many risks, such as alcohol and
drug use, obesity, smoking, and other dangers. As
parents and role models to America's youth, we have a
responsibility to teach them about the importance of
healthy behavior, daily exercise, and good nutrition.

My Administration supports programs that give parents,
mentors, and teachers the resources they need to help
and encourage children to maintain an active and
healthy way of life. The National Youth Anti-Drug Media
Campaign is working with the Partnership for a Drug-
Free America to educate our young people about
resisting the pressure to use drugs. Additionally, the
Helping America's Youth initiative, led by First Lady
Laura Bush, encourages our Nation's children to make
healthy choices that lead to a better future. The
HealthierUS initiative offers ways to improve lives,
prevent and reduce the costs of disease, and promote
community health and wellness. These nationwide
initiatives provide the tools and resources to help
children learn the importance of healthy living.

With hard work and dedication, parents can encourage
good nutrition and healthy lifestyles so children can
make the right choices, avoid risky behavior, and
realize their full potential.

On this day it is also appropriate to recognize the
important role the State Children's Health Insurance
Program (SCHIP) has played in helping poor children
stay healthy. To preserve that role and ensure that
poor children can get the coverage they need, SCHIP
should be reauthorized.

The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 18,
1928, as amended (36 U.S.C. 105), has called for the
designation of the first Monday in October as ``Child
Health Day'' and has requested the President to issue a
proclamation in observance of this day.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim Monday,
October 1, 2007, as Child Health Day. I call upon
families, schools, child health professionals, faith-
based and community organizations, and State and local
governments to reach out to our Nation's young people,
encourage them to avoid dangerous behavior, and help
them make the right choices and achieve their dreams.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
first day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.