[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 52 (Thursday, March 29, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S2259]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SENATE RESOLUTION 417--SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF NATIONAL 
                           PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK

  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:

                              S. Res. 417

       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
       Resolved, 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.

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