THIS ISSUE AVAILABLE ONLINE WITH EXPANDED INFORMATION AND PHOTOS AT:
http://www.hhs.gov/news/newsletter/weekly
IN THIS ISSUE:
1) HHS Awards $23 Million to Aid Homeless
2) "Stop Family Violence" Fundraising Stamp Unveiled
3) U.S. Surgeon General Promotes Health Literacy
4) Personal Health
5) Secretary Thompson's public schedule
HHS Awards $23 Million to Aid Homeless
Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson awarded 14 grants totaling $23 million over three years to provide substance abuse and mental health services to homeless individuals last week. These grants are part of a multi-pronged strategy the administration has enacted to end chronic homelessness by integrating federal and state programs to provide affordable housing, treatment and support services as opposed to the fragmented system of services they likely experience.
"These grants will provide hope and assistance to people with severe substance abuse or mental health problems who are at risk for a life of homelessness," Secretary Thompson said. "As a society we will be judged by our ability to help the weakest. We must continue to expand the opportunities for shelter and treatment to those who are in need."
The grant awards are administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and total almost $7.8 million each year for three years. The average award ranges from $467,000 to $592,000 per year in total costs.
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"Stop Family Violence" Fundraising Stamp Unveiled
The Stop Family Violence semipostal stamp was unveiled Saturday June 14 in Colorado to raise awareness and generate money for the victims of domestic violence. The price of the stamp will be 45 cents, with the difference between the sales price of the stamp and the underlying postage consisting of a tax-deductible contribution.
"The Stop Family Violence semipostal will allow every American to contribute to a nationwide fight against domestic violence," said Dr. Christina Beato, who unveiled the stamp. "By using this stamp on their cards, letters, and packages, our customers will also have an opportunity to bring before the public eye a problem that is too often ignored."
In addition to Dr. Beato, Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-CO), Representative Diana DeGette (D-CO), anti-domestic violence advocates and the Denver Postmaster were all present for the unveiling.
The effects of domestic violence are felt regardless of age, race or economic status. According to a report issued in 1999 by the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics, in more than 790,000 crimes of intimate violence women accounted for 85 percent of the victims. Such cases cost the nation billions of dollars annually in medical expenses, police and court costs, shelters and foster care, sick leave, absenteeism and non-productivity. Studies suggest children who witness domestic violence are more apt to attempt suicide, abuse alcohol or drugs or run away from home.
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U.S. Surgeon General Promotes Health Literacy
U.S. Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona discussed the importance of providing Americans with useful health information in his address to the American Medical Association House of Delegates meeting in Chicago on June 14.
"Throughout the day, people read the nutritional labels on cereal, meals, and snacks," Dr. Carmona said. "These labels list grams of fat. But do people know how many grams of fat they should eat in a meal? Or in a day? Or how many is too many? Or too few? These are seemingly simple questions, but we're not giving Americans simple answers."
According to a recent study, low health literacy costs the health care industry $73 billion a year in misdirected or misunderstood health care services, and more than 90 million Americans cannot adequately understand basic health information.
Dr. Carmona will continue to discuss the importance of health literacy over the next year. He will look especially to ways to assist minority populations become more health literate. "Health information campaigns must be developed by individuals with specific knowledge of the cultural characteristics, media habits, and language preferences of intended audiences," Carmona said.
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Personal Health
Here is some information to help disparage the myth that certain foods, like grapefruit, celery, or cabbage soup can burn fat and make you lose weight:
Fact: No foods can burn fat. Some foods with caffeine may speed up your metabolism (the way your body uses energy, or calories) for a short time, but they do not cause weight loss. The best way to lose weight is to cut back on the number of calories you eat and be more physically active.
This information was provided by the National Institutes of Health.
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Secretary Tommy G. Thompson's public schedule:
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Last updated June 16, 2003
United States Department of Health and Human Services
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