Press Release
June 5, 2003
SENATORS LINDSEY GRAHAM AND BYRON DORGAN JOIN YMCA’s EFFORT TO COMBAT YOUTH OBESITY
Senators Introduce YMCA Healthy Teen Act in U.S. Senate
(Washington, DC) – Today, Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Byron Dorgan (D-ND) introduced the ‘YMCA Healthy Teen Act,’ legislation that authorizes $20 million in federal funding to help local YMCAs expand and implement school- and community-based programs that help at-risk teenage youth and their families live healthier lives. According to the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, since 1980 the percentage of children who are overweight has nearly doubled, and the percentage of adolescents who are overweight has nearly tripled. Almost 9 million young Americans, or about 15 percent of all children are overweight. These youth are far more likely to develop a host of serious health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease which also becomes costly. In May 2003, a study funded by CDC found that obesity in America costs the nation $93 billion in annual medical bills and the government pays for about half of that amount.
“Nearly half of Americans ages 12 to 19 won’t break a sweat this week, opening the door to obesity and diabetes,” said Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC). “Physical education, sports and nutrition programs are being slashed due to shrinking school budgets. Tobacco, alcohol and marijuana use remain high, as are the rates of teenage depression and suicide. The health of our nation’s youth is clearly in danger and continuing on a downward trend.”
“The nation’s 2,500 YMCAs are not standing idle in the face of these problems. They’ve created and are offering innovative programs that start youth off on the right foot on the long road to lifetime health. Whether these programs are school-based or community-based, it is essential that YMCAs have the necessary resources to combat this public health crisis,” said Graham.
“I’ve seen first-hand the difference a safe, structured and healthy after-school environment can make for our youth,” said Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND). “Last year, North Dakota’s YMCAs helped 12,500
teens develop character, build confidence and live healthier lives. When those teens become adults, they’ll have even more to contribute to our communities. This bill is about giving the YMCA the resources it needs to expand its reach and positively influence thousands more teens each year.”
Each YMCA program funded through this bill will include a physical activity component, nutritional education, and could also focus on other health risks faced by teenage youth, such as tobacco, alcohol, drugs, and risky behaviors that lead to injury and violence. The bill also contains a matching requirement to ensure that at least 50% of any new program is funded through local and private support.
“Serving more than 18 million people, half of whom are under the age of 18, YMCAs recognize this public health crisis and are not waiting to act. Through innovative programs, YMCAs are providing youth and their parent’s opportunities and guidance they need to become more active and healthy. This legislation will help us reach even more youth in desperate need of service” said Kenneth L. Gladish, Ph.D., national executive director, YMCA of the USA. “We hope Congress will recognize this important opportunity and take action on this bill.”
In addition, there were 10 original cosponsors in the U.S. Senate for the YMCA Healthy Teen Act. They include: Senators Jim Bunning (R-KY), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Patty Murray (D-WA), Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Gordon Smith (R-OR), Mike DeWine (R-OH), Jon Corzine (D-NJ), Tom Daschle (D-SD) and Blanche Lambert Lincoln (D-AR).
YMCA of the USA is the national resource office for the nation’s 2,500 YMCAs, collectively the nation’s largest not-for-profit community service organization, serving 18.3 million people of all faiths, races, ages and incomes, including 9 million children. YMCAs offer a broad range of programs including youth leadership and volunteerism and are collectively the nation’s largest providers of child care. Visit www.ymca.net
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