28 September 2005

Sebelius: Healthy communities benefit Kansas kids
Salina, Lawrence-Douglas County highlighted as healthy places for children

“Making our state a healthier place for all Kansans, but especially children, takes all of us,” said Governor Kathleen Sebelius. At a brief ceremony in the Capitol, she recognized Salina and Lawrence-Douglas County for being named as two of the nation’s “100 Healthiest Communities for Young People” by America’s Promise.

“As I observed last January in my State of the State Address,” the Governor said, “while the physical health of our citizens is of great importance, I see the health of Kansans extending far beyond the issues of prescription drugs, insurance costs, and affordable care. A Healthy Kansas means a state in which our well-being is ensured and enhanced through every policy we pursue.”

“And, that’s exactly what the people of Salina and Lawrence-Douglas County have done,” she continued, “by making their communities great places for our kids to grow up.”

America’s Promise was founded by Secretary of State Colin Powell and is currently chaired by his wife Alma Powell. Its goal is for every child in America to have the resources he or she needs to have a successful future.

“Our responsibility to Kansas children, means investing in schools that use money wisely. It means expanding access to health care, and cracking down on meth makers and other criminals,” the Governor said. “And these communities have led in the way in giving our children more opportunities to succeed.”

The Salina United Way, which devotes almost 40 percent of its funds to youth programs, has played a major role in gathering resources so all children will succeed in school, become more physically active, and live in safe neighborhoods.

And America’s Promise recognized Lawrence-Douglas County for the ways in which “youth are a policy priority at every level of government.”

“It takes a community-wide effort, and that’s what we’ve seen in both of these communities. Businesses working with schools, volunteers working with local leaders; these are the partnerships that make our communities stronger and healthier,” Sebelius said.

America’s Promise also named the Greater Kansas City Area as one of its 100 top communities. Governor Sebelius will recognize this designation in a future visit to Kansas City. For more information on America’s Promise, visit: http://www.americaspromise.org/