[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 40 (Monday, October 8, 2007)]
[Pages 1279-1280]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8184--Child Health Day, 2007

 October 1, 2007

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Our Nation is committed to the health and well-being of our youth. 
On Child Health Day, we reaffirm our commitment to helping children 
develop good nutrition habits and active lifestyles, so that they can 
grow into healthy and productive adults.
    Children today face many risks, such as alcohol and drug use, 
obesity, smoking, and other dangers. As parents and role models to 
America's youth, we have a responsibility to teach them about the 
importance of healthy behavior, daily exercise, and good nutrition.
    My Administration supports programs that give parents, mentors, and 
teachers the resources they need to help and encourage children to 
maintain an active and healthy way of life. The National Youth Anti-Drug 
Media Campaign is working with the Partnership for a Drug-Free America 
to educate our young people about resisting the pressure to use drugs. 
Additionally, the Helping America's Youth initiative, led by First Lady 
Laura Bush, encourages our Nation's children to make healthy choices 
that lead to a better future. The HealthierUS initiative offers ways to 
improve lives, prevent and reduce the costs of disease, and promote 
community health and wellness. These nationwide initiatives provide the 
tools and resources to help children learn the importance of healthy 
living.
    With hard work and dedication, parents can encourage good nutrition 
and healthy lifestyles so children can make the right choices, avoid 
risky behavior, and realize their full potential.
    On this day it is also appropriate to recognize the important role 
the State Children's

[[Page 1280]]

Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) has played in helping poor children 
stay healthy. To preserve that role and ensure that poor children can 
get the coverage they need, SCHIP should be reauthorized.
    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, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America, do hereby proclaim Monday, October 1, 2007, as Child Health 
Day. I call upon families, schools, child health professionals, faith-
based and community organizations, and State and local governments to 
reach out to our Nation's young people, encourage them to avoid 
dangerous behavior, and help them make the right choices and achieve 
their dreams.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of 
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
second.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:09 a.m., October 3, 
2007]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on October 
4.