HHS WEEKLY REPORT
May 24, 2003 - May 30, 2003

THIS ISSUE AVAILABLE ONLINE WITH EXPANDED INFORMATION AND PHOTOS AT:
http://www.hhs.gov/news/newsletter/weekly

IN THIS ISSUE:
1) Secretary Thompson to Join President Bush and Secretary Powell for HIV/AIDS Bill Signing Ceremony
2) Secretary Thompson Supports the WHO Tobacco Treaty
3) You're Invited to the 2nd Annual Walk on The Mall!
4) This Summer "Choose your Cover!"
4) Surgeon General and Charles Curie to Speak at Florida Drug Summit
5) Secretary Thompson's public schedule

Secretary Thompson to Join President Bush and Secretary Powell for HIV/AIDS Bill Signing Ceremony

Secretary of State Colin L. Powell will welcome President George W. Bush and Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy G. Thompson to the U.S. Department of State on Tuesday, May 27, 2003 at 2:15 p.m. for a bill signing ceremony for the U.S. Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Act of 2003, which provides assistance to foreign countries to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.

STATEMENT BY TOMMY G. THOMPSON
Secretary of Health and Human Services
Regarding Congressional Passage of Global AIDS Funding

I congratulate and thank the members of the United States Senate and House of Representatives for their rapid action in passing legislation responding to the global HIV/AIDS epidemic. Their action, which was achieved in just over 100 days after the President unveiled his proposal in the State of the Union address, is generous and far-sighted. It will make an entirely new level of resources available from the United States to help poor nations that are among those hardest-hit by the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

I cannot overstate the importance of the President's vision and of this action by the Congress. This response by the United States is contributing to a new feeling of urgency, vigor and hope. This "can-do" attitude is fundamental in turning the tide for these nations.

The rest of the world needs to join the United States in this hopeful new vision and in providing the resources to bring it to reality. I have carried that message to all nations at the World Health Assembly this week, and in particular to the wealthy nations of the European Union. The President will reemphasize this call in Europe next month, and I will do the same at further meetings in June at the World Health Organization."

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Secretary Thompson Supports the WHO Tobacco Treaty

Secretary Thompson announced his support of the first ever public health treaty passed by the World Health Organization last week.

The Secretary said to the World Health Assembly:

May 21, 2003
This is an outstanding day when you can stand up and make a step forward for public health.

The reduction of illness, disability and death related to smoking is a key public health objective for the United States. We are keenly aware that smoking presents a real threat to public health. The imperative to act at home and abroad is clear.

Our domestic agenda to counter this threat is multifaceted.

We work hard to educate Americans about the dangers of smoking. We help provide access to anti-smoking resources. We conduct vigorous research on the effects of smoking, and internationally we have dedicated ourselves to support comprehensive global smoking prevention and control.

For example, to help monitor the global tobacco epidemic, the United States in collaboration with the WHO, developed the global youth tobacco survey, which now has been completed in 150 countries.

We have also worked with WHO and international sports organizations through our tobacco-free sports initiative to reduce or eliminate tobacco advertising and sponsorship for sporting events.

As part of the United States commitment to the negotiations of the convention and to facilitate understanding on one aspect of the framework, the United States hosted an international conference at the United Nations in New York to consider measures to address the global problem of illicit trade in tobacco. The treaty recognizes that.

It is no exaggeration to state that the United States is a world leader in anti-smoking efforts.

We have committed more resources than any other country to research, development and evaluation of smoking control programs both at home and abroad.

In addition, as part of our new prevention initiative "Steps to a Healthier US," my department will be providing millions of dollars to cities and communities across our nation to address important chronic diseases such as heart disease and stroke, cancer, asthma and obesity, and will address the risk factors including tobacco use.

Let me say that again: there can be no questioning the profound dedication of the United States to controlling the public health threat from smoking.

I am very proud of that, and we look forward to working with partners from around the world to prevent future death and disease through effective and sustainable global prevention and control efforts.

The global dialogue begun through the FCTC negotiations has been a significant step forward for public health. It is already bearing fruit, as countries start to adopt their own domestic measures to curb smoking.

The culmination of that work will, of course, be the adoption of a finished convention text - and that is why we are all here today - to adopt and celebrate the final FCTC document.

The United States is carefully reviewing the text of the convention that we adopted today. We and our outstanding partners worked hard on this treaty.

Together, we can and will make the global threat of smoking a thing of the past.

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You're Invited to the 2nd Annual Walk on The Mall!

The Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Aging will be sponsoring the 2nd Annual Walk on The Mall Thursday, May 29 with Secretary Thompson and Assistant Secretary for Aging Josephina G. Carbonell. Secretary Thompson will lead a walk on the mall to raise awareness about the importance of physical activity and leading a healthy lifestyle.

The event will be in recognition of Older Americans Month, which President Bush proclaimed May 2003 to commending senior citizens for the important contribution they make to society. Research shows that physical activity can help prevent at least six diseases: heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, and mental disorders, such as depression.

Registration for the walkers will take place in front of the Humphrey Building beginning at 9:30 a.m. and the walk will follow at 10:00 a.m.

For more information, please call the AoA at (202) 401-4541.

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This Summer "Choose your Cover!"

Secretary Thompson is emphasizing that all Americans should take the necessary precautions to prevent skin cancer. As Americans begin their summer vacations and trips it is important to remember to reduce direct skin exposure to the sun. Americans are encouraged to "choose a cover". Covers include a sun umbrella, a t-shirt, a hat, sunglasses, and of course sun block (SPF 15 or higher).

Even a few sunburns can significantly increase your child's risk for skin cancer down the road. Here are some tips for parents:

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Surgeon General and Charles Curie to Speak at Florida Drug Summit

U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona and Charles Curie, Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency (SAMHSA) will join Governor Jeb Bush and wife Columba Bush in Florida Thursday, May 29 and address the 5th Annual Statewide Drug Summit. The summit will focus on how communities in Florida can decrease the incidence of drug use among youth and adults. Drug summit participants will discuss topics such as drug courts, elder substance abuse, community coalitions, prescription drug abuse, prosecuting drug trafficking, and integrated, intelligence-driven law enforcement operations.

President Bush proposed an increase of $239.5 million over FY 03 for substance abuse treatment and prevention, which continues the commitment this administration has made to invest $1.6 billion new dollars over five years. The new federal dollars are going to be invested in innovative new programs that allow states, communities, and individuals to make choices that will allow them greater access to treatment. Programs such as Access to Recovery, which will designate vouchers to purchase substance abuse treatment, and reward performance to providers by tying patient outcomes to reimbursement.

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Secretary Tommy G. Thompson's public schedule:

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Last updated May 27, 2003
United States Department of Health and Human Services
Contact the HHS Newsletter Team.