    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 128, 113th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 9186--OCT. 3, 2014

    Proclamation 9186 of October 3, 2014

    Child Health Day, 2014

    By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    All children deserve equal opportunities to realize their potential and
    reach their dreams. Securing this promise for our daughters and sons
    begins with ensuring their health and well-being. As we pause on Child
    Health Day to reflect on this profound obligation, let us recommit to
    fostering a society where there are no limits to what our Nation's young
    people can achieve.
    The Affordable Care Act supports children's health not only by expanding
    access to quality, affordable health insurance for millions of
    Americans, but also by guaranteeing that most health plans cover
    recommended preventive services for children without copays, including

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    immunizations and developmental screenings. Millions of children are
    already benefiting from this care, and even more will be protected in
    the years to come. As kids grow, the Affordable Care Act continues to
    support their health by prohibiting insurance companies from denying
    coverage to children with pre-existing conditions and allowing young
    adults to stay on a parent's health insurance plan until age 26. This
    builds on the successes of Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance
    Program, which have significantly reduced the percentage of uninsured
    children.
    When more than one-third of American children and adolescents are
    overweight or obese, expanding access to nutritious foods and
    opportunities for physical activity is an urgent health issue. Working
    with both the public and private sectors, First Lady Michelle Obama's
    Let's Move! initiative is making it easier for parents and children to
    make healthy choices that put kids on the path to a bright future during
    their earliest months and years.
    As a Nation, we have an obligation to invest in the health of future
    generations by protecting our planet and our environment. In the past 30
    years, asthma rates have doubled, and as air pollution gets worse, more
    kids will suffer. Clean air and water are essential to the well-being of
    our children and grandchildren, and we must work today to secure their
    tomorrow. My Administration has taken action and will continue to pursue
    policies that reduce harmful air pollution, improve water quality, and
    protect communities from toxic chemical exposures.
    When young Americans have the opportunity to live healthy and safe
    lives, they are free to pursue their full measure of happiness. Today,
    we continue our work to support our children's health and build a Nation
    where all our daughters and sons can thrive.
    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 that the President 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 6, 2014, as Child Health
    Day. I call upon families, educators, child health professionals, faith-
    based and community organizations, and all levels of government to help
    ensure America's children are healthy.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of
    October, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
    ninth.
    BARACK OBAMA