A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

                         FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                              April 7, 1994            Contact:  David W. Thomas              Contact:  Campbell Gardett    (202) 401-1579                                     (202) 690-6343

CABINET SECRETARIES RILEY AND SHALALA TEAM UP TO TACKLE SCHOOL HEALTH ISSUES

Recognizing a fundamental relationship between health and education, the Secretaries of Education and Health and Human Services today issued a joint statement on school health, which underscores the cooperation between their departments in efforts to improve the health of children.

Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley and Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna E. Shalala said they have joined forces in support of comprehensive school health programs. In their "Joint Statement on School Health," the secretaries announced the establishment of:

"Children are the most vulnerable portion of our population," Riley said. "We know that children who come to school healthy, who have gotten their shots and participated in early childhood programs, are children who are engaged and ready to learn. This agreement to work together will help us reach this result."

Shalala said the new partnership was unprecedented and looked forward to healthier and smarter children in the schools. "Good health for America's children must be a national priority," Shalala said. "Our children need consistent, sound health information and access to health services, beginning in their families and continuing in their schools and communities. There is no question that our schools have a key role to play in helping our children begin a lifetime of good health."

The first of eight National Education Goals recently codified in the sweeping education reform legislation, GOALS 2000: Educate America Act, challenges the nation to prepare all children to come to school ready to learn. This goal directly relates to the health status of children, and is also reflected in the HHS "Healthy People 2000" targets.

The president's proposed Health Security Act would also provide major support to children, with an emphasis on prevention as the key to helping children avoid health risks and receive care before an illness reaches an emergency state.

The foundation of the president's health care reform initiative is the comprehensive benefits package for all Americans, including prenatal care, immunizations, regular checkups, and preventive care for all children, including vision and dental care.

The president's plan also includes Comprehensive School Health Education and School-related Health Services programs, which will provide grants to states and communities to increase efforts to help children learn to avoid or change health-risk behaviors.

The secretaries concluded their joint statement by asking "professionals in the fields of education and health and concerned citizens across the Nation to join with us in a renewed effort and reaffirmation of our mutual responsibility to improve the health and educational achievement of our Nation's children."

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