III 112th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 417 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 29, 2012 Mr. Merkley (for himself, Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Udall of New Mexico, Mr. Akaka, Mr. Coons, Mr. Tester, Mr. Wyden, Mr. Begich, Mr. Brown of Ohio, and Mr. Johnson of South Dakota) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions RESOLUTION Supporting the goals and ideals of National Public Health Week.

Whereas the week of April 2, 2012, through April 8, 2012, is National Public Health Week; Whereas the theme for National Public Health Week in 2012 is A Healthier America Begins Today: Join the Movement; Whereas since 1995, public health organizations have used National Public Health Week to educate the public, policymakers, and public health professionals about issues that are important to improving the health of people in the United States; Whereas preventing diseases and injuries is critical to helping people live longer, healthier lives while managing health-related costs; Whereas chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are responsible for millions of premature deaths and cause the people in the United States to miss 2,500,000,000 days of work each year, resulting in lost productivity totaling more than $1,000,000,000,000; Whereas in 2012, people in the United States are living 78 years on average, but only 69 of these years are spent in good health; Whereas despite providing some of the best health care in the world, the United States still ranks below many countries in life expectancy, infant mortality, and many other indicators of healthy life; Whereas studies have shown that small strategic investments in prevention could result in significant savings in health-care costs; and Whereas in communities across the United States, more people are changing the way they care for their health by avoiding tobacco use, eating healthier, becoming more physically active, and preventing unintentional injuries at home and in the workplace: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (1)supports the goals and ideals of National Public Health Week; (2)recognizes the efforts of public health professionals, the Federal Government, States, municipalities, local communities, and every person in the United States in preventing disease and injury; (3)recognizes the role of public health in improving the health of people in the United States; (4)encourages increased efforts and resources to improve the health of people in the United States through— (A)strategies to promote community health and prevent disease and injury; and (B)strengthening of the public health system of the United States; and (5)encourages the people of the United States to learn about the role of the public health system in improving health in the United States.