[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 195 (Friday, October 7, 2011)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 62295-62296]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-26149]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 195 / Friday, October 7, 2011 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 62295]]


                Proclamation 8729 of October 3, 2011

                
Child Health Day, 2011

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                One of the greatest responsibilities we have as a 
                Nation is to ensure the health and well-being of our 
                children. Today, we rededicate ourselves to providing 
                our children with the quality health care, healthy 
                food, clean environments, and safe schools and 
                communities they deserve.

                We have taken important steps that speak to who we are 
                as a Nation that cares for its families and children. 
                Young adults are the least likely to have health 
                insurance, but now, thanks to the Affordable Care Act, 
                young adults can stay on their parents' insurance plan 
                until they turn 26. As a result, approximately one 
                million more have insurance coverage than 1 year ago. 
                In addition, it is now illegal for health insurance 
                companies to limit or deny coverage to children based 
                on pre-existing conditions.

                Getting children off to a healthy start at home and at 
                school is vital to their success. This year, through 
                the First Lady's Let's Move! Initiative, Americans have 
                shown their overwhelming commitment to children's 
                health--over 1,250 schools met our HealthierUS School 
                Challenge, thousands of child care providers are 
                adopting healthier practices, and 1.7 million Americans 
                achieved the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award. I 
                also signed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, making 
                significant improvements to our school lunches, and we 
                released a redesigned food pyramid--MyPlate--to 
                encourage better eating.

                Making sure kids grow up in safe environments is just 
                as important to ensuring their well-being. In March, we 
                hosted the White House Conference on Bullying 
                Prevention because no child should feel unsafe or be 
                afraid to be who they are at school or in their 
                community. To keep children safe from hazards, we have 
                taken great strides to provide for cleaner air and 
                drinking water, and to reduce children's exposure to 
                lead dust. To make school buildings safer, the American 
                Jobs Act I have proposed would provide for investments 
                that would put Americans back to work while making 
                important repairs to schools, like removing asbestos 
                and updating technology.

                On Child Health Day, we recognize the fundamental 
                importance of caring for the health of our next 
                generation, and we recommit to helping our children, 
                their families, and our communities fulfill the dream 
                of healthy, happy, and secure futures.

                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, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim Monday, 
                October 3, 2011, as Child Health Day. I call upon 
                families, child health professionals, faith-based and 
                community organizations, and all levels of government 
                to help ensure that America's children stay safe and 
                healthy.

[[Page 62296]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                third day of October, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth. 
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2011-26149
Filed 10-6-11; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F2-P