News Release

Surgeon General Richard Carmona to Promote Healthy Choices
in Schools Across America

Surgeon General Carmona to launch "50 Schools in 50 States" tomorrow in Maryland

U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona announced today that he will visit a school in all 50 states to talk with students about the importance of making healthy choices. Dr. Carmona will begin this initiative by visiting Patterson High School in Baltimore, Md., on Wednesday, April 9.

"Students face a lot of tough choices," Dr. Carmona said. "That’s why I’m committed to talking to students across the country about making smart and healthy life decisions. Everyone makes mistakes, but the key is to minimize wrong choices, focus on positive behavior, and move forward in life with goals and direction."

When announcing Dr. Carmona’s nomination as Surgeon General in March 2002, President George W. Bush said that it was important for Dr. Carmona to "speak regularly to the nation about alcohol and drug abuse, and the tremendous toll they take on our society" and specifically cited that "substance abuse by students undermines academic achievement and dims the great hope of the American Dream."

As U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Carmona is committed to speaking to the American people, especially America’s youth, about the dangers of risky behaviors and the benefits of healthy choices. This new campaign furthers the core messages of President Bush’s HealthierUS Initiative launched last summer.

"Secretary Thompson and I also want to thank and encourage parents, teachers, and community leaders for their roles in the lives of our nation’s youth," Dr. Carmona said. "They are helping kids every day at homes and schools and community centers across the country. They can have a positive influence and serve as role models 365 days a year."

50 Schools in 50 States articulates a goal of Surgeon General Carmona to talk with diverse groups of elementary and secondary students all across the country, by visiting at least one school in each of the 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico and other territories sometime during his tenure. Surgeon General Carmona will discuss healthy choices and risk avoidance and how making the right decisions can benefit a student now and later in life.

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Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.

Last revised: January 4, 2007