For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
October 1, 2001
President Proclaims Child Health Day
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Many of us fondly remember the joys and challenges of childhood and
appreciate the endless sacrifices that our families made to love, protect,
and encourage us as we grew into adulthood. On Child Health Day, we take
time as parents and concerned citizens to assess the health and well-being
of our children and to reaffirm our commitment to nurture and care for them
in the best way possible.
To secure the strength and continued
growth of our great Nation, we must work to provide all of our children
with the opportunities and tools they must have to
succeed. From quality health care and safe living
environments to emotional support and timely encouragement, our
children need and deserve our utmost attention.
In light of the tragic terrorist attacks
of September 11, 2001, we must redouble our efforts to ensure that our
children feel safe. We must listen carefully to them and
help them express and work through feelings of fear, confusion, and
sorrow. And, most importantly, we must let them know that
they are loved. Children who feel loved and supported can
better reach their full potential and achieve their dreams.
As parents, teachers, and neighbors, we
must be aware of, and work to prevent, the physical, emotional, and
psychological threats that potentially endanger our
children. Parents must be vigilant in ensuring that their
children are immunized against preventable diseases. They
should check their homes for cleaning products, gases, and other
hazards, including lead-based paint, radon, carbon monoxide, and
allergens that may cause chronic illnesses, respiratory disorders, and
sometimes death. Children should be taught to be wary of
strangers who approach them and to seek the help of someone they trust
when faced with uncomfortable situations. We also must use
innovative teaching methods to encourage our children to develop
positive habits such as regular exercise, good nutrition, abstinence
from drugs, alcohol, and inappropriate sexual behavior, and good
personal hygiene.
Our steadfast commitment to the health and
welfare of our children is especially important for those who have
special health care needs. Children who suffer from chronic physical,
developmental, behavioral, and emotional conditions require specialized
services in their communities. I encourage parents and
caretakers to recognize these health problems, to
obtain specialized care as necessary, and to monitor their
children's conditions closely in order to give them every advantage
toward leading a successful, fulfilling life.
My Administration is strongly committed to
supporting families and children in need and to improving our education
system so that no child is left behind. Let us work together
as individuals, families, communities, and Americans to ensure that the
health of our children always remains a national
priority. The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May
18, 1928, as amended (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, 2001, as Child Health Day. On this day, and on every day
throughout the year, I call upon families, schools, child health
professionals, communities, and governments to dedicate themselves to
fostering the healthy development and well-being of all our children --
especially those with special health care needs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first
day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-sixth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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