Expressing support for the designation of April 7, 2025, as "World Health Day" and recognizing the importance of prioritizing public health nationally and globally.

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 298 Introduced in House (IH)]

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119th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 298

  Expressing support for the designation of April 7, 2025, as ``World 
  Health Day'' and recognizing the importance of prioritizing public 
                    health nationally and globally.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             April 7, 2025

  Mr. Thanedar (for himself, Mr. Carson, Ms. Norton, and Mr. Evans of 
Pennsylvania) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
                  the Committee on Energy and Commerce

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
  Expressing support for the designation of April 7, 2025, as ``World 
  Health Day'' and recognizing the importance of prioritizing public 
                    health nationally and globally.

Whereas the cost of and access to health care have been the two most serious 
        issues in the health care system of the United States for 25 years;
Whereas the lack of attention devoted to public health has detrimental effects 
        on the social and economic stability of the Nation;
Whereas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, life 
        expectancy in the United States has been declining since 2019;
Whereas increased maternal and infant mortality are among the causes of the 
        declining life expectancy;
Whereas the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes April 7, 2025, as ``World 
        Health Day'', and its theme, ``Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures'', 
        which will start a yearlong campaign on maternal and newborn health;
Whereas women and families deserve high-quality health care that supports them 
        physically and mentally before, during, and after birth;
Whereas health systems must evolve to manage the many health issues that impact 
        maternal and newborn health;
Whereas health systems must also evolve to manage the many health issues that 
        impact marginalized and historically disadvantaged communities;
Whereas the lack of access to high-quality health care most heavily affects 
        children, seniors, and people of color, particularly in the poorest and 
        most marginalized communities;
Whereas the underrepresentation of people of color in clinical trials 
        exacerbates racial and ethnic disparities and limits access to 
        potentially lifesaving treatments;
Whereas the labor of health care workers and caretakers must be recognized as a 
        cornerstone of the health and well-being of our communities;
Whereas, according to the WHO, up to 38 percent of health care workers worldwide 
        have experienced physical violence, and these critical workers must be 
        protected as they administer lifesaving care;
Whereas health includes not only physical health but also mental health;
Whereas physical health and mental health are inextricably linked;
Whereas the lack of access to mental health services and the stigma associated 
        with having mental health conditions discourage individuals with mental 
        health conditions from seeking lifesaving help;
Whereas governments and societies should prioritize investing in the promotion, 
        protection, and care of the health of individuals and their caregivers;
Whereas health and support services should have an emphasis on ensuring and 
        providing affordable, high-quality access to health care that meets the 
        needs of children, adolescents, adults, and seniors; and
Whereas April 7, 2025, is an appropriate day to designate as ``World Health 
        Day'', as the day is recognized internationally and supported by the 
        WHO: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) expresses support for the designation of ``World Health 
        Day'';
            (2) acknowledges that no single health care program or 
        effort will be appropriate for all populations or communities;
            (3) recognizes that children, seniors, and people of color, 
        particularly in the poorest and most marginalized communities, 
        are most heavily impacted by the lack of access to quality 
        health care; and
            (4) recognizes that interagency coordination and 
        collaboration are essential to ensuring the well-being of 
        children and their ability to develop, survive, and thrive.
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