News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, April 8, 2003 |
Contact: HHS Press Office (202) 690-6343
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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: April 23, 2004
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