[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