11 February 2005

Governor Sebelius Announces Child Health Advisory Committee

Today Governor Kathleen Sebelius announced the establishment of a Child Health Advisory Committee, as part of the Healthy KANSAS: Taking Steps Together initiative at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). The Child Health Advisory Committee will identify state priorities for child health and promote policies to improve the health of Kansas children.

The Committee, consisting of 15 individuals from varied backgrounds, will recommend, among other things, a newborn screening program along with school-based and community policies that encourage increased physical activity, improved nutrition, and prevention of tobacco use.

The Governor’s set of health care proposals includes increased purchasing efficiencies and expanded insurance coverage for Kansas children. But additional measures are needed, the Governor noted.

“The state must become more nimble in the marketplace, and we need to increase the number of Kansans who have adequate access to health care,” Sebelius said. “At the same time, these measures will be inadequate without a strong dedication to prevention.”

In addition, the Committee will review existing statewide efforts that address obesity and make recommendations to the Governor on methods to use in changing unhealthy behaviors.

“Childhood obesity is reaching epidemic proportions nationally, and the attitudes and behaviors of today’s children will become the basis for healthy choices of generations to come,” Governor Sebelius said. “The issue of childhood obesity goes far beyond the scope of any single agency or organization. Therefore, I will be asking health professionals, educators, and representatives from relevant advocacy groups to work together to identify the most promising strategies to reduce childhood obesity.”

One third of the Committee members will be recommended from the State Department of Education (KSDE), and the remainder will be based upon the recommendations of the Secretary of KDHE. Rather than proposing mandates on an already stressed school system, Governor Sebelius believes that the Child Health Advisory Committee can work together with schools and communities to develop nutrition and physical activity committees at the local level.

“We’re not looking for quick fixes, but long-term changes in the health of our children,” the Governor said. “To make those changes a reality, we will need to engage civic organizations, businesses, faith-based groups, local health officials, parents, and other groups in our efforts to help our children stay healthy.”

The process of making appointments to the committee begins immediately, and an initial meeting of the Committee will be convened before the Legislature adjourns. The Committee’s first recommendations will be communicated to the Governor prior to her FY 2006-2007 budget submission.