[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 126, 112th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8880--OCT. 1, 2012

Proclamation 8880 of October 1, 2012

Child Health Day, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

As a Nation, we share an obligation to ensure the health and well-being
of our children. The youth of today will shape America's tomorrow, and
on Child Health Day, we rededicate ourselves to providing our next
generation with access to the quality health care and clean environment
that will nurture their future success.
My Administration has made the health of our Nation's children a top
priority. Because of the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies can no
longer deny coverage to children with pre-existing conditions. The law
also allows young adults to stay on their parents' health insurance plan
until age 26, which has brought coverage to more than 3 million
Americans. My Administration has also taken action to ensure all our
children can attend schools that are safe, where we address bullying and
end the myth that it is a simple rite of passage. And through First Lady
Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative, we are joining with parents,
schools, and community leaders to address childhood obesity.
A safe environment in which our children can live and grow is also
essential to their well-being. Because clean water is the foundation for
healthy communities, we are working to reduce contaminants in our
drinking water by updating standards and better protecting our water
sources from pollution. We are also building on the successes of the
Clean Air Act to improve our air quality and help decrease harmful
toxins that can lead to acute bronchitis, asthma, cancer, and impaired
development.
On Child Health Day, we are reminded that by giving our children a
healthy start in life, we put them and our Nation on the path to a
successful future. As we mark this important occasion, let us reaffirm
our commitment to meeting that most fundamental responsibility.
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 1, 2012, as Child Health
Day. I call upon families, child health professionals, faith-based and
community organizations, and all levels of government to help ensure
America's children stay healthy.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
seventh.
BARACK OBAMA