[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 125, 112th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
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 prac

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tices, 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.
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.
BARACK OBAMA