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Maternal and Infant Health 5/11/92 [OA 6102]
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Maternal and Infant Health 5/11/92 [OA 6102]
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S
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File Draft Files
Subseries:
Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13622
Folder ID Number:
13622-006
Folder Title:
Maternal and Infant Health 5/11/92 [OA 6102]
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Row:
Section:
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26
18
2
2
THE PRESIDENT HAS SEEN
May 8, 1992
5/11/92
OK
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
DAVID DEMAREST
EX
FROM:
JOE DUGGAN gD
SUBJECT:
MATERNAL AND INFANT HEALTH CARE EVENT
I.
SUMMARY
On Monday, May 11, at 11:10 a.m., you will deliver remarks
(10 minutes, on cards) to an audience of approximately 200 people
gathered in the Rose Garden. You will be introduced by Secretary
Sullivan.
II. DISCUSSION
Your remarks focus on a new action plan addressing childhood
immunization, a new public service campaign sponsored by the Ad
Council and an innovative program for prenatal care called
Healthy Start.
FAX
ALIXE
WHITE HOUSE COMMCTR
FRI 08 MAY 92 21:56
PG.02
(Duggan/Nix)
May 8, 1992
Draft Six
Prenatal
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
MATERNAL AND INFANT HEALTH EVENT
ROSE GARDEN
MONDAY, MAY 11, 1992
11:10 a.m.
[Acknowledgments] Yesterday, on Mothers' Day, millions of
Americans took time to appreciate the miracle of motherhood. We
thanked the mothers who brought us into this world -- who taught
us our first lessons about life and love and character.
Today we're taking some vital steps to help American
mothers, their children and their families. We're announcing
improved standards and a new action plan for immunization. And
we're beginning a public service ad campaign to promote an
innovative prenatal care program called Healthy Start.
Every year in America, thousands of babies are delivered at
dangerously low birth weights. Too many of these babies die or
suffer chronic ill health as a result. Thousands of our young
children suffer crippling effects each year from measles and
other communicable childhood diseases -- and some even die. But
the saddest fact of all is: Most of this death and disease is
easily preventable through immunization and better prenatal care.
To attack this problem, we are mobilizing the nation's best
The
ideas and resources. Last June I stood here in the Rose Garden
with Secretary Sullivan to call for a stronger immunization
our
effort. We sent out teams to six areas of our country to
determine how we can do better. And we learned lessons we're now
applying nationwide and
I was pleased to be part of the visit to
&
action
and
WHITE HOUSE COMMCTR
FRI 08 MAY 92 21:57
PG.03
2
San Diego in February, and I am happy that representatives of all
six communities are here.
Today we're announcing a new action plan to get our children
vaccinated when it makes the greatest difference -- before the
age of two. The plan requires more effective coordination to
promote vaccination among the various federal agencies that serve
children. We're helping states and localities with their own
immunization plans. And my Administration's budget for
immunization continues to respond to the need -- for fiscal year
1993 we're seeking an increase to $349 million. We're also
announcing new Standards for Pediatric Immunization -- the work
of an expert panel representing many private and public sector
organizations. They'll help clinics improve their methods to
provide vaccinations to kids who need them most.
I salute the leaders of the Advertising Council for all the
2
volunteer time and talent you have organized for this cause
wfact
H
publer sewere ad company
word ality
know that programs such as this work: Think of the success of
other Ad Council campaigns for kicking the smoking habit, for
seat-belt use, for screening for cancer. All such efforts help
people show greater responsibility in their own behavior.
I've often thought that the same sort of diligent use of
marketing science and communications talent could help motivate
Americans to address other social problems involving personal
responsibility -- for instance, keeping families together,
encouraging responsible sexual behavior, and other matters of
personal and family well-being. So I am confident that the Ad
WHITE HOUSE COMMCTR
FRI 08 MAY 92 21:58
PG.04
3
Council's new campaign will have strong and positive results.
The Ad Council's messages will emphasize that the health of
pregnant women and their unborn babies is a matter of concern to
every member of a civilized society. When an expectant mother is
financially needy or without a husband or family to support her,
it is all the more urgent for good neighbors to show they care.
The Ad Council's first message, therefore, targets the
general public. It calls on all of us for action. The theme
you'll soon be hearing on television is this: We must not accept
high rates of infant deaths --- because "this is America." 11
The second announcement will impress upon men the importance
of their role. Whether a man is an unborn child's father, or
another family member or friend, there is much he can and should
do to help an expectant mother. We cannot understate male
responsibility. The third announcement will tell women that
proper care begins long before the baby is born. Consider this:
Babies born after a pregnancy with no prenatal care are four
times more likely to die than those whose mothers receive care
beginning in the first trimester. The full series assures
pregnant women in need that they are not alone. Care is
available -- and good neighbors are being mobilized to help.
The Healthy Start approach represents what we should be
doing to solve our social problems: local solutions, local
control, local accountability. The first 15 Healthy Start
communities were chosen from a long list of applicants -- and I
understand that representatives of each community, from around
WHITE HOUSE COMMCTR
FRI 08 MAY 92 21:59
PG.05
Thank
the nation are here today. God bless you for your good work.
We are not weighing down these community initiatives with
burdensome federal mandates and command-and-control regulations.
We're seeking to empower neighborhood volunteers and local
governments to invent effective new ways to help save babies'
lives -- and keep babies and their mothers strong and healthy.
Healthy Start's successes will come from people who see
neighbors in need and ask: What can I do to help? And they
follow through on their generous impulses. 11 And they keep
noticing and helping more people. 11
I'm talking about people like Minnie Thomas in Oakland,
California. An energetic grandmother, she was helping drug
abusers when she learned there was no facility for drug abusers
who became pregnant. So she opened her own facility, called
Solid Foundation. Forty-seven kids have been born to mothers at
Solid Foundation -- and not one suffered from low birth weight.
Here in Washington, Tawana Fortune-Jones is the woman with
the "Mom Van." She knocks on doors in neighborhoods where infant
mortality is high. She's enlisted the cooperation of doctors and
clinics to establish a Healthy Start Pregnancy Register. And she
drives the "Mom Van." Each morning at seven, she begins picking
up women and taking them to doctors' offices. Afterwards, she
takes them home -- and then she shuttles another group in the
afternoon. 11 She's a friend to women who have no other friends.
She's saved and bettered the lives of hundreds of babies. And
she's here with us today: Tawana, good neighbors are the heroes
WHITE HOUSE COMMCTR
FRI 08 MAY 92 22:00
PG.01
5
of our cities -- and you're the model of a good neighbor. 11
Unbelievable as it may seem, the innovations of Healthy
Start ran into resistance in Congress, where they're still too
much wedded to the old bureaucratic ways of doing things. I'm
optimistic, though. I believe our approach for empowering people
with new ideas is the way of the future.
Our crusade for preventive health care for infants and
expectant mothers will move a step further when we reform our
health insurance system. I've proposed making every American
able to afford a basic health insurance plan of his choice, using
our
credits or vouchers. Through the market system, we would provide
needy Americans better health care than they now receive.
The efforts we're highlighting today are in some ways
technical -- but we must not see them as concerns only for
professionals. The well-being of our youngest and most
vulnerable is everyone's concern. We must become a society where
no child goes without a family. No child denied parental
guidance for forming character. No child without someone to play
with him, read to him. No child without someone to call him by
his name. Healthy Start is a vital part of a larger effort to
create a better society. Yes, we'll continue to need government
action for public health -- and we must strive to make it more
imaginative, more effective. But government programs can never
substitute for the generosity, the nurturing, the love that flow
from individuals and families who take their responsibilities to
heart. Thank you, and God bless you all.
(Duggan/Nix)
May 8, 1992
Draft Six
Prenatal
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
MATERNAL AND INFANT HEALTH EVENT
ROSE GARDEN
MONDAY, MAY 11, 1992
11:10 a.m.
[Acknowledgments] Yesterday, on Mothers' Day, millions of
Americans took time to appreciate the miracle of motherhood. We
thanked the mothers who brought us into this world -- who taught
us our first lessons about life and love and character.
Today we're taking some vital steps to help American
mothers, their children and their families. We're announcing
improved standards and a new action plan for immunization. And
we're beginning a public service ad campaign to promote an
innovative prenatal care program called Healthy Start.
Every year in America, thousands of babies are delivered at
dangerously low birth weights. Too many of these babies die or
suffer chronic ill health as a result. Thousands of our young
children suffer crippling effects each year from measles and
other communicable childhood diseases -- and some even die. But
the saddest fact of all is: Most of this death and disease is
easily preventable through immunization and better prenatal care.
To attack this problem, we are mobilizing the nation's best
ideas and resources. Last June I stood here in the Rose Garden
with Secretary Sullivan to call for a stronger immunization
effort. We sent out teams to six areas of our country to
determine how we can do better. And we learned lessons we're now
applying nationwide. I was pleased to be part of the visit to
2
San Diego in February, and I am happy that representatives of all
six communities are here.
Today we're announcing a new action plan to get our children
vaccinated when it makes the greatest difference -- before the
age of two. The plan requires more effective coordination to
promote vaccination among the various federal agencies that serve
children. We're helping states and localities with their own
immunization plans. And my Administration's budget for
immunization continues to respond to the need -- for fiscal year
1993 we're seeking an increase to $349 million. We're also
announcing new Standards for Pediatric Immunization -- the work
of an expert panel representing many private and public sector
organizations. They'll help clinics improve their methods to
provide vaccinations to kids who need them most.
I salute the leaders of the Advertising Council for all the
volunteer time and talent you have organized for this cause. I
know that programs such as this work: Think of the success of
other Ad Council campaigns for kicking the smoking habit, for
seat-belt use, for screening for cancer. All such efforts help
people show greater responsibility in their own behavior.
I've often thought that the same sort of diligent use of
marketing science and communications talent could help motivate
Americans to address other social problems involving personal
responsibility -- for instance, keeping families together,
encouraging responsible sexual behavior, and other matters of
personal and family well-being. So I am confident that the Ad
3
Council's new campaign will have strong and positive results.
The Ad Council's messages will emphasize that the health of
pregnant women and their unborn babies is a matter of concern to
every member of a civilized society. When an expectant mother is
financially needy or without a husband or family to support her,
it is all the more urgent for good neighbors to show they care.
The Ad Council's first message, therefore, targets the
general public. It calls on all of us for action. The theme
you'll soon be hearing on television is this: We must not accept
high rates of infant deaths -- because "this is America. " 11
The second announcement will impress upon men the importance
of their role. Whether a man is an unborn child's father, or
another family member or friend, there is much he can and should
do to help an expectant mother. We cannot understate male
responsibility. The third announcement will tell women that
proper care begins long before the baby is born. Consider this:
Babies born after a pregnancy with no prenatal care are four
times more likely to die than those whose mothers receive care
beginning in the first trimester. The full series assures
pregnant women in need that they are not alone. Care is
available -- and good neighbors are being mobilized to help.
The Healthy Start approach represents what we should be
doing to solve our social problems: local solutions, local
control, local accountability. The first 15 Healthy Start
communities were chosen from a long list of applicants -- and I
understand that representatives of each community, from around
4
the nation are here today. God bless you for your good work.
We are not weighing down these community initiatives with
burdensome federal mandates and command-and-control regulations.
We're seeking to empower neighborhood volunteers and local
governments to invent effective new ways to help save babies'
lives -- and keep babies and their mothers strong and healthy.
Healthy Start's successes will come from people who see
neighbors in need and ask: What can I do to help? And they
follow through on their generous impulses. 11 And they keep
noticing and helping more people. 11
I'm talking about people like Minnie Thomas in Oakland,
California. An energetic grandmother, she was helping drug
abusers when she learned there was no facility for drug abusers
who became pregnant. So she opened her own facility, called
Solid Foundation. Forty-seven kids have been born to mothers at
Solid Foundation -- and not one suffered from low birth weight.
Here in Washington, Tawana Fortune-Jones is the woman with
the "Mom Van. " She knocks on doors in neighborhoods where infant
mortality is high. She's enlisted the cooperation of doctors and
clinics to establish a Healthy Start Pregnancy Register. And she
drives the "Mom Van." Each morning at seven, she begins picking
up women and taking them to doctors' offices. Afterwards, she
takes them home -- and then she shuttles another group in the
afternoon. She's a friend to women who have no other friends.
She's saved and bettered the lives of hundreds of babies. And
she's here with us today: Tawana, good neighbors are the heroes
5
of our cities -- and you're the model of a good neighbor. 11
Unbelievable as it may seem, the innovations of Healthy
Start ran into resistance in Congress, where they're still too
much wedded to the old bureaucratic ways of doing things. I'm
optimistic, though. I believe our approach for empowering people
with new ideas is the way of the future.
Our crusade for preventive health care for infants and
expectant mothers will move a step further when we reform our
health insurance system. I've proposed making every American
able to afford a basic health insurance plan of his choice, using
credits or vouchers. Through the market system, we would provide
needy Americans better health care than they now receive.
The efforts we're highlighting today are in some ways
technical -- but we must not see them as concerns only for
professionals. The well-being of our youngest and most
vulnerable is everyone's concern. We must become a society where
no child goes without a family. No child denied parental
guidance for forming character. No child without someone to play
with him, read to him. No child without someone to call him by
his name. Healthy Start is a vital part of a larger effort to
create a better society. Yes, we'll continue to need government
action for public health -- and we must strive to make it more
imaginative, more effective. But government programs can never
substitute for the generosity, the nurturing, the love that flow
from individuals and families who take their responsibilities to
heart. Thank you, and God bless you all.
326550SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
5/7/92
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 4:00PM, TODAY, MAY 7
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: MATERNAL AND INFANT HEALTH EVENT
SUBJECT:
EAST ROOM
MONDAY, MAY 11, 1992
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCBRIDE
SCOWCROFT
MOORE
DARMAN
PETERSMEYER
BRADY
PORTER
BROMLEY
ROGICH
CALIO
ROLLINS
DEMAREST
SMITH
YEUTTER
FITZWATER
FINDLAY
GRAY
KAUFMAN
HOLIDAY
FIRESTONE
REMARKS:
MARTINEZ
Please provide comments on the attached directly to
Dan McGroarty, Rm. 122, x2930, with a copy to this
office NO LATER THAN 4:00PM, TODAY, THURSDAY, MAY 7.
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
N/C Maun Shell f DS
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
(Duggan/Nix)
May 7, 1992
Draft Two
02 MAY 7 A|| : | |
Health
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
MATERNAL AND INFANT HEALTH EVENT
EAST ROOM
MONDAY, MAY 11, 1992
[TIME]
[Acknowledgments]
Yesterday, on Mothers' Day, millions of Americans took time
to show their appreciation for the miracle of motherhood. We
thanked the mothers who brought us into this world -- who taught
us our first lessons about life and love and character.
7.
Today I am proud to be part of a vital new effort focussed
on American mothers, their children and their families. We call
our effort Healthy Start.
Every year in our country, thousands of babies are delivered
at dangerously low birth weights. Many of these babies die or
suffer chronic ill health as a result. Thousands of America's
young children die or suffer crippling effects each year from
measles and other communicable childhood diseases. But the
saddest fact of all is: Most of this death and disease is easily
preventable through immunization and better prenatal care.
To attack this problem anew, we are mobilizing the best
ideas and resources of America's private enterprises, volunteers,
and government agencies. We are launching a promising new
program of public service advertising. And we are adding impetus
to national and local public health programs for providing needed
health care to expectant mothers and young children. Through
each of these actions, we will educate, encourage and assist
2
Americans in taking the simple steps to assure that more of our
babies are born strong and healthy -- and that our little ones
stay healthy through their earliest, formative years.
I salute and thank the leaders of the Advertising Council
for all the funds and the volunteer time and talent you have
organized for this cause. I know that public service programs
such as this work: Frequently I'm given updates on the success
of a program that had similar beginnings -- the media campaign of
the Partnership for a Drug-Free America. Thanks to this effort,
more and more of our teenagers are saying no to drugs. This
advertising campaign is helping our young people take heed of the
consequences of using illegal drugs -- and as a result they are
showing greater responsibility in their behavior.
I've often thought that the same sort of diligent use of
marketing science and communications talent could help motivate
Americans to address other social problems involving personal
responsibility -- for instance, keeping families together,
encouraging responsible sexual behavior, and other matters of
personal and family well-being. So I am confident that the
Advertising Council's new campaign will have strong and positive
results.
The Ad Council's messages will emphasize that the health of
pregnant women and their unborn babies is a matter of concern to
every member of a civilized society. When an expectant mother is
financially needy or without a husband or family to support her,
it is all the more urgent for good neighbors to show they care.
3
The Ad Council's first message, therefore, will target the
general public. It will stress that the crisis of infant
mortality and illness calls on all of us for action. The second
announcement will impress upon men the important roles they can
play. Whether a man is an unborn child's father, or a pregnant
woman's father, or another family member or friend, there is much
he can and should do to help an expectant mother care for herself
and her baby. The third in the series of announcements will tell
women of the importance of prenatal care -- that proper care
begins long before the baby is born. It will point out how
readily such care is available. The entire series assures
pregnant women who need help that they are not alone. Family,
friends and neighbors are being mobilized to help.
I also want to applaud today's announcement of new Standards
for Pediatric Immunization Practices. The standards are the work
of an expert panel representing many private and public sector
organizations. In brief, these standards will help clinics
improve their organization and management to meet the goal of
delivering the full series of major immunizations to all of our
children at the critical time when it can make a life-or-death
difference -- before the age of two.
The new standards incorporate some of the common-sense
principles that are helping competitive businesses all across
America improve product and service quality and enhance customer
satisfaction. With the new standards in practice, we'll see more
special immunization clinics in communities that need them -- and
4
we'll see improved services in general clinics, such as "express
lanes" for immunizing walk-in patients. The federal Center for
Disease Control, joined by professional organizations, will
disseminate the new standards widely and will encourage clinics
and practitioners to adopt them.
A third part of Healthy Start may be the most exciting of
all. We've launched a new demonstration program to help people
in communities with high infant mortality rates attack the
problem. We are distributing $65 million in federal funds to our
first 15 Healthy Start communities -- selected from among 45
communities which applied to take part in the demonstration. We
are not weighing down these community initiatives with burdensome
federal mandates and command-and-control regulations. We're
seeking to empower neighborhood volunteers and local governments
to invent effective new ways to help save babies' lives -- and
keep babies and their mothers strong and healthy.
[Examples, anecdotes about real volunteers and their
innovative ideas and efforts]
These grants are a beginning, but I want to point out that I
asked Congress for nearly twice as much money for the Healthy
Start demonstration projects. I faced powerful resistance in
Congress, where we have too many old thinkers wedded to worn-
out, bureaucratic ways of doing things. I am confident, though,
that our approach for empowering people with new ideas is the way
of the future. And I'm expecting the forces of political change
sweeping the country will give us a new Congress that's more
5
willing to let individuals and communities make the most of their
good ideas and initiatives.
Our crusade for preventive health care for infants and
expectant mothers will be advanced further when we put into
effect the major reforms I have proposed for our health insurance
system. I'll have more to say on this tomorrow, but let me say
now that my proposed system, using credits or vouchers, would
allow every American to afford a basic health insurance plan of
his choice -- and through more efficient market systems it would
provide needy Americans better health care than they now receive.
The efforts we're highlighting today are quite specific and
in some ways technical -- but Americans must not look upon them
as concerns only for professionals. The well-being of our
youngest and most vulnerable must be everyone's concern. I want
us to become an America where no unborn child will be rejected as
unwanted: One of the consequences of widespread abortion on
demand is that adoption agencies cannot find babies for hundreds
of thousands of qualified American families who want to adopt.
We must become a society where no child goes without a family.
No child denied parental guidance for forming character. No
child without someone to hold him, play with him, read to him.
No child without parents to call him by his name.
We must therefore look upon Healthy Start as a vital part of
a larger effort to make America a better society. Yes, we'll
continue to need government action for public health -- and we
must strive to make government programs more imaginative, more
6
efficient, more effective. But government programs can never
substitute for the generosity, the nurturing, the love that flow
from individuals and families who take their responsibilities to
heart. Thank you, and God bless you all.
#
#
#
RCV BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 5- 7-92 ; 2:58PM ;
ONDCP-EOP-
2024566218;# 2
ID:
MHY ur 92 11:01 NO. 002 P.UL
Document No.
326550SS
fox#
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
5/7/92
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 4:00PM, TODAY, MAY 7
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: MATERNAL AND INFANT HEALTH EVENT
SUBJECT:
EAST ROOM
MONDAY, MAY 11, 1992
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
X HORNER
SKINNER
MCBRIDE
SCOWCROFT
MOORE
X
DARMAN
XPETERSMEYER
cellen
BRADY
X PORTER John
BROMLEY
ROGICH
X CALIO N/C
X ROLLINS Jori
N/C
DEMAREST
X
SMITH maria
Lee
FITZWATER
Licberman
YEUTTER
6257
x GRAY Jell Holmstead 1953
L.
FINDLAY
X
HOLIDAY Paul
KAUFMAN
FIRESTONE
REMARKS:
MARTING
N/C
Please provide comments on the attached directly to
Dan McGroarty, Rm. 122, x2930, with & copy to this
fox
office NO LATER THAN 4:00PM, TODAY, THURSDAY, MAY 7.
6218
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
NO COMMENTS -- from Office of National Drug Control Policy.
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
" , 2:58PM ;
ID:
MMY U.Y 92 11:01 NO.002 P.UL
32655088
for 467- 9809 WHITE
Document No.
HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
5/7/92
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 4:00PM, TODAY, MAY
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: MATERNAL AND INFANT HEALTH EVENT
SUBJECT:
EAST ROOM
MONDAY, MAY 11, 1992
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCBRIDE
SCOWCROPT
MOORE
DARMAN
PETERSMEYER
BRADY
PORTER
BROMLEY
ROGICH
CALIO
ROLLINS
DEMANEST
SMITH
YEUTTER
FITZWATER
GRAY
FINDLAY
KAUFMAN
HOLIDAY
FIRESTONE
REMARKS:
MARTI
Please provide comments on the attached directly to
fax
Dan McGroarty, Rm. 122, x2930, with M copy to this
office NO LATER THAN 4:00PM, TODAY, THURSDAY, MAY 7.
6218
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
NO COMMENTS -- from Office of National Drug Control Policy.
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
5/8/92
- -
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: MATERNAL AND INFANT HEALTH EVENT
SUBJECT:
EAST ROOM
MONDAY, MAY 11, 1992
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCBRIDE
SCOWCROFT
MOORE
DARMAN
PETERSMEYER
BRADY
PORTER
BROMLEY
ROGICH
CALIO
ROLLINS
DEMAREST
SMITH
YEUTTER
FITZWATER
FINDLAY
GRAY
KAUFMAN
HOLIDAY
McGroady
FIRESTONE
REMARKS:
MARTINEZ
The attached has been forwarded to the President.
RESPONSE:
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
(Duggan/Nix)
May 8, 1992
Draft Six
Prenatal
02
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS
MAY
8MATERNAL7
AND
INFANT HEALTH EVENT
ROSE GARDEN
MONDAY, MAY 11, 1992
11:10 a.m.
[Acknowledgments] Yesterday, on Mothers' Day, millions of
Americans took time to appreciate the miracle of motherhood. We
thanked the mothers who brought us into this world -- who taught
us our first lessons about life and love and character.
Today we're taking some vital steps to help American
mothers, their children and their families. We're announcing
improved standards and a new action plan for immunization. And
we're beginning a public service ad campaign to promote an
innovative prenatal care program called Healthy Start.
Every year in America, thousands of babies are delivered at
dangerously low birth weights. Too many of these babies die or
suffer chronic ill health as a result. Thousands of our young
children suffer crippling effects each year from measles and
other communicable childhood diseases -- and some even die. But
the saddest fact of all is: Most of this death and disease is
easily preventable through immunization and better prenatal care.
To attack this problem, we are mobilizing the nation's best
ideas and resources. Last June I stood here in the Rose Garden
with Secretary Sullivan to call for a stronger immunization
effort. We sent out teams to six areas of our country to
determine how we can do better. And we learned lessons we're now
applying nationwide. I was pleased to be part of the visit to
2
San Diego in February, and I am happy that representatives of all
six communities are here.
Today we're announcing a new action plan to get our children
vaccinated when it makes the greatest difference -- before the
age of two. The plan requires more effective coordination to
promote vaccination among the various federal agencies that serve
children. We're helping states and localities with their own
immunization plans. And my Administration's budget for
immunization continues to respond to the need -- for fiscal year
1993 we're seeking an increase to $349 million. We're also
announcing new Standards for Pediatric Immunization -- the work
of an expert panel representing many private and public sector
organizations. They'll help clinics improve their methods to
provide vaccinations to kids who need them most.
I salute the leaders of the Advertising Council for all the
volunteer time and talent you have organized for this cause. I
know that programs such as this work: Think of the success of
other Ad Council campaigns for kicking the smoking habit, for
seat-belt use, for screening for cancer. All such efforts help
people show greater responsibility in their own behavior.
I've often thought that the same sort of diligent use of
marketing science and communications talent could help motivate
Americans to address other social problems involving personal
responsibility -- for instance, keeping families together,
encouraging responsible sexual behavior, and other matters of
personal and family well-being. So I am confident that the Ad
3
Council's new campaign will have strong and positive results.
The Ad Council's messages will emphasize that the health of
pregnant women and their unborn babies is a matter of concern to
every member of a civilized society. When an expectant mother is
financially needy or without a husband or family to support her,
it is all the more urgent for good neighbors to show they care.
The Ad Council's first message, therefore, targets the
general public. It calls on all of us for action. The theme
you'll soon be hearing on television is this: We must not accept
high rates of infant deaths -- because "this is America. 11
The second announcement will impress upon men the importance
of their role. Whether a man is an unborn child's father, or
another family member or friend, there is much he can and should
do to help an expectant mother. We cannot understate male
responsibility. The third announcement will tell women that
proper care begins long before the baby is born. Consider this:
Babies born after a pregnancy with no prenatal care are four
times more likely to die than those whose mothers receive care
beginning in the first trimester. The full series assures
pregnant women in need that they are not alone. Care is
available -- and good neighbors are being mobilized to help.
The Healthy Start approach represents what we should be
doing to solve our social problems: local solutions, local
control, local accountability. The first 15 Healthy Start
communities were chosen from a long list of applicants -- and I
understand that representatives of each community, from around
4
the nation are here today. 11 God bless you for your good work.
We are not weighing down these community initiatives with
burdensome federal mandates and command-and-control regulations.
We're seeking to empower neighborhood volunteers and local
governments to invent effective new ways to help save babies'
lives -- and keep babies and their mothers strong and healthy.
Healthy Start's successes will come from people who see
neighbors in need and ask: What can I do to help? And they
follow through on their generous impulses. 11 And they keep
noticing and helping more people. 11
I'm talking about people like Minnie Thomas in Oakland,
California. An energetic grandmother, she was helping drug
abusers when she learned there was no facility for drug abusers
who became pregnant. So she opened her own facility, called
Solid Foundation. Forty-seven kids have been born to mothers at
Solid Foundation -- and not one suffered from low birth weight.
Here in Washington, Tawana Fortune-Jones is the woman with
the "Mom Van.' She knocks on doors in neighborhoods where infant
mortality is high. She's enlisted the cooperation of doctors and
clinics to establish a Healthy Start Pregnancy Register. And she
drives the "Mom Van." Bach morning at seven, she begins picking
up women and taking them to doctors' offices. Afterwards, she
takes them home -- and then she shuttles another group in the
afternoon. 11 She's a friend to women who have no other friends.
She's saved and bettered the lives of hundreds of babies. And
she's here with us today: Tawana, good neighbors are the heroes
5
of our cities -- and you're the model of a good neighbor. 11
Unbelievable as it may seem, the innovations of Healthy
Start ran into resistance in Congress, where they're still too
much wedded to the old bureaucratic ways of doing things. I'm
optimistic, though. I believe our approach for empowering people
with new ideas is the way of the future.
Our crusade for preventive health care for infants and
expectant mothers will move a step further when we reform our
health insurance system. I've proposed making every American
able to afford a basic health insurance plan of his choice, using
credits or vouchers. Through the market system, we would provide
needy Americans better health care than they now receive.
The efforts-we're highlighting today are in some ways
technical -- but we must not see them as concerns only for
professionals. The well-being of our youngest and most
vulnerable is everyone's concern. We must become a society where
no child goes without a family. No child denied parental
guidance for forming character. No child without someone to play
with him, read to him. No child without someone to call him by
his name. Healthy Start is a vital part of a larger effort to
create a better society. Yes, we'll continue to need government
action for public health -- and we must strive to make it more
imaginative, more effective. But government programs can never
substitute for the generosity, the nurturing, the love that flow
from individuals and families who take their responsibilities to
heart. Thank you, and God bless you all.
326550SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
5/7/92
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 4:00PM, TODAY, MAY 7
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: MATERNAL AND INFANT HEALTH EVENT
SUBJECT:
EAST ROOM
MONDAY, MAY 11, 1992
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCBRIDE
SCOWCROFT
MOORE
DARMAN
PETERSMEYER
BRADY
PORTER
BROMLEY
ROGICH
CALIO
ROLLINS
DEMAREST
SMITH
YEUTTER
FITZWATER
FINDLAY
GRAY
KAUFMAN
HOLIDAY
FIRESTONE
REMARKS:
MARTINEZ
Please provide comments on the attached directly to
Dan McGroarty, Rm. 122, x2930, with a copy to this
office NO LATER THAN 4:00PM, TODAY, THURSDAY, MAY 7.
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
Comments from Connie towner-
page 3. 5/8
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
(Duggan/Nix)
May 7, 1992
Draft Two
02 MAY 7 A11 : 11
Health
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
MATERNAL AND INFANT HEALTH EVENT
EAST ROOM
MONDAY, MAY 11, 1992
[TIME]
[Acknowledgments]
Yesterday, on Mothers' Day, millions of Americans took time
to show their appreciation for the miracle of motherhood. We
thanked the mothers who brought us into this world -- who taught
us our first lessons about life and love and character.
Today I am proud to be part of a vital new effort focussed
on American mothers, their children and their families. We call
our effort Healthy Start.
Every year in our country, thousands of babies are delivered
at dangerously low birth weights. Many of these babies die or
suffer chronic ill health as a result. Thousands of America's
young children die or suffer crippling effects each year from
measles and other communicable childhood diseases. But the
saddest fact of all is: Most of this death and disease is easily
preventable through immunization and better prenatal care.
To attack this problem anew, we are mobilizing the best
ideas and resources of America's private enterprises, volunteers,
and government agencies. We are launching a promising new
program of public service advertising. And we are adding impetus
to national and local public health programs for providing needed
health care to expectant mothers and young children. Through
each of these actions, we will educate, encourage and assist
2
Americans in taking the simple steps to assure that more of our
babies are born strong and healthy -- and that our little ones
stay healthy through their earliest, formative years.
I salute and thank the leaders of the Advertising Council
for all the funds and the volunteer time and talent you have
organized for this cause. I know that public service programs
such as this work: Frequently I'm given updates on the success
of a program that had similar beginnings -- the media campaign of
the Partnership for a Drug-Free America. Thanks to this effort,
more and more of our teenagers are saying no to drugs. This
advertising campaign is helping our young people take heed of the
consequences of using illegal drugs -- and as a result they are
showing greater responsibility in their behavior.
I've often thought that the same sort of diligent use of
marketing science and communications talent could help motivate
Americans to address other social problems involving personal
responsibility -- for instance, keeping families together,
encouraging responsible sexual behavior, and other matters of
personal and family well-being. So I am confident that the
Advertising Council's new campaign will have strong and positive
results.
The Ad Council's messages will emphasize that the health of
pregnant women and their unborn babies is a matter of concern to
every member of a civilized society. When an expectant mother is
financially needy or without a husband or family to support her,
it is all the more urgent for good neighbors to show they care.
d, Cernic Horner,
while at HHS, developed Mis aspect-
2. 9. 3 "men" - the
The Ad Council's first message, therefore, will target the
to
general public. It will stress that the crisis of infant
mortality and illness calls on all of us for action. The second
Sugger
announcement will impress upon men the important roles they can
play. Whether a man is an unborn child's father, or a pregnant
woman's father, or another family member or friend, there is much
That
he can and should do to help an expectant mother care for herself
tathers
and her baby. The third in the series of announcements will tell
women of the importance of prenatal care -- that proper care are
begins long before the baby is born. It will point out how
readily such care is available. The entire series assures
Not
important
pregnant women who need help that they are not alone. Family,
jha
friends and neighbors are being mobilized to help.
fame
Ilalso want to applaud today's announcement of new Standards
me
for Pediatric Immunization Practices. The standards are the work
of an expert panel representing many private and public sector
organizations. In brief, these standards will help clinics
improve their organization and management to meet the goal of
Victinia A the
delivering the full series of major immunizations to all of our
children at the critical time when it can make a life-or-death
difference -- before the age of two.
The new standards incorporate some of the common-sense
principles that are helping competitive businesses all across
America improve product and service quality and enhance customer
3 And,
satisfaction. With the new standards in practice, we'll see more
special immunization clinics in communities that need them -- and
3mg
4
we'll see improved services in general clinics, such as "express
lanes" for immunizing walk-in patients. The federal Center for
Disease Control, joined by professional organizations, will
disseminate the new standards widely and will encourage clinics
and practitioners to adopt them.
A third part of Healthy Start may be the most exciting of
all. We've launched a new demonstration program to help people
in communities with high infant mortality rates attack the
problem. We are distributing $65 million in federal funds to our
first 15 Healthy Start communities --- selected from among 45
communities which applied to take part in the demonstration. We
are not weighing down these community initiatives with burdensome
federal mandates and command-and-control regulations. We're
seeking to empower neighborhood volunteers and local governments
to invent effective new ways to help save babies' lives -- and
keep babies and their mothers strong and healthy.
[Examples, anecdotes about real volunteers and their
innovative ideas and efforts]
These grants are a beginning, but I want to point out that I
asked Congress for nearly twice as much money for the Healthy
Start demonstration projects. I faced powerful resistance in
Congress, where we have too many old thinkers wedded to worn-
out, bureaucratic ways of doing things. I am confident, though,
that our approach for empowering people with new ideas is the way
of the future. And I'm expecting the forces of political change
sweeping the country will give us a new Congress that's more
5
willing to let individuals and communities make the most of their
good ideas and initiatives.
Our crusade for preventive health care for infants and
expectant mothers will be advanced further when we put into
effect the major reforms I have proposed for our health insurance
system. I'll have more to say on this tomorrow, but let me say
now that my proposed system, using credits or vouchers, would
allow every American to afford a basic health insurance plan of
his choice -- and through more efficient market systems it would
provide needy Americans better health care than they now receive.
The efforts we're highlighting today are quite specific and
in some ways technical -- but Americans must not look upon them
as concerns only for professionals. The well-being of our
youngest and most vulnerable must be everyone's concern. I want
us to become an America where no unborn child will be rejected as
unwanted: One of the consequences of widespread abortion on
demand is that adoption agencies cannot find babies for hundreds
of thousands of qualified American families who want to adopt.
We must become a society where no child goes without a family.
No child denied parental guidance for forming character. No
child without someone to hold him, play with him, read to him.
No child without parents to call him by his name.
We must therefore look upon Healthy Start as a vital part of
a larger effort to make America a better society. Yes, we'll
continue to need government action for public health -- and we
must strive to make government programs more imaginative, more
6
efficient, more effective. But government programs can never
substitute for the generosity, the nurturing, the love that flow
from individuals and families who take their responsibilities to
heart. Thank you, and God bless you all.
#
#
#
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
5/8/92
- -
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: MATERNAL AND INFANT HEALTH EVENT
SUBJECT:
EAST ROOM
MONDAY, MAY 11, 1992
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
HORNER
SKINNER
MCBRIDE
SCOWCROFT
MOORE
DARMAN
PETERSMEYER
BRADY
PORTER
BROMLEY
ROGICH
CALIO
ROLLINS
DEMAREST
SMITH
YEUTTER
FITZWATER
GRAY
FINDLAY
KAUFMAN
HOLIDAY
FIRESTONE
REMARKS:
MARTINEZ
The attached has been forwarded to the President.
RESPONSE:
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
(Duggan/Nix)
May 8, 1992
Draft Six
Prenatal
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS
MAY 8 MATERNAL
AND INFANT HEALTH EVENT
ROSE GARDEN
MONDAY, MAY 11, 1992
11:10 a.m.
[Acknowledgments] Yesterday, on Mothers' Day, millions of
Americans took time to appreciate the miracle of motherhood. We
thanked the mothers who brought us into this world -- who taught
us our first lessons about life and love and character.
Today we're taking some vital steps to help American
mothers, their children and their families. We're announcing
improved standards and a new action plan for immunization. And
we're beginning a public service ad campaign to promote an
innovative prenatal care program called Healthy Start.
Every year in America, thousands of babies are delivered at
dangerously low birth weights. Too many of these babies die or
suffer chronic ill health as a result. Thousands of our young
children suffer crippling effects each year from measles and
other communicable childhood diseases -- and some even die. But
the saddest fact of all is: Most of this death and disease is
easily preventable through immunization and better prenatal care.
To attack this problem, we are mobilizing the nation's best
ideas and resources. Last June I stood here in the Rose Garden
with Secretary Sullivan to call for a stronger immunization
effort. We sent out teams to six areas of our country to
determine how we can do better. And we learned lessons we're now
applying nationwide. I was pleased to be part of the visit to
2
San Diego in February, and I am happy that representatives of all
six communities are here.
Today we're announcing a new action plan to get our children
vaccinated when it makes the greatest difference -- before the
age of two. The plan requires more effective coordination to
promote vaccination among the various federal agencies that serve
children. We're helping states and localities with their own
immunization plans. And my Administration's budget for
immunization continues to respond to the need -- for fiscal year
1993 we're seeking an increase to $349 million. We're also
announcing new Standards for Pediatric Immunization -- the work
of an expert panel representing many private and public sector
organizations. They'll help clinics improve their methods to
provide vaccinations to kids who need them most.
I salute the leaders of the Advertising Council for all the
volunteer time and talent you have organized for this cause. I
know that programs such as this work: Think of the success of
other Ad Council campaigns for kicking the smoking habit, for
seat-belt use, for screening for cancer. All such efforts help
people show greater responsibility in their own behavior.
I've often thought that the same sort of diligent use of
marketing science and communications talent could help motivate
Americans to address other social problems involving personal
responsibility -- for instance, keeping families together,
encouraging responsible sexual behavior, and other matters of
personal and family well-being. So I am confident that the Ad
3
Council's new campaign will have strong and positive results.
The Ad Council's messages will emphasize that the health of
pregnant women and their unborn babies is a matter of concern to
every member of a civilized society. When an expectant mother is
financially needy or without a husband or family to support her,
it is all the more urgent for good neighbors to show they care.
The Ad Council's first message, therefore, targets the
general public. It calls on all of us for action. The theme
you'll soon be hearing on television is this: We must not accept
high rates of infant deaths -- because "this is America. 11
The second announcement will impress upon men the importance
of their role. Whether a man is an unborn child's father, or
another family member or friend, there is much he can and should
do to help an expectant mother. We cannot understate male
responsibility. The third announcement will tell women that
proper care begins long before the baby is born. Consider this:
Babies born after a pregnancy with no prenatal care are four
times more likely to die than those whose mothers receive care
beginning in the first trimester. The full series assures
pregnant women in need that they are not alone. Care is
available -- and good neighbors are being mobilized to help.
The Healthy Start approach represents what we should be
doing to solve our social problems: local solutions, local
control, local accountability. The first 15 Healthy Start
communities were chosen from a long list of applicants -- and I
understand that representatives of each community, from around
4
the nation are here today. God bless you for your good work.
We are not weighing down these community initiatives with
burdensome federal mandates and command-and-control regulations.
We're seeking to empower neighborhood volunteers and local
governments to invent effective new ways to help save babies'
lives -- and keep babies and their mothers strong and healthy.
Healthy Start's successes will come from people who see
neighbors in need and ask: What can I do to help? And they
follow through on their generous impulses. 11 And they keep
noticing and helping more people. 11
I'm talking about people like Minnie Thomas in Oakland,
California. An energetic grandmother, she was helping drug
abusers when she learned there was no facility for drug abusers
who became pregnant. So she opened her own facility, called
Solid Foundation. Forty-seven kids have been born to mothers at
Solid Foundation -- and not one suffered from low birth weight.
Here in Washington, Tawana Fortune-Jones is the woman with
the "Mom Van." She knocks on doors in neighborhoods where infant
mortality is high. She's enlisted the cooperation of doctors and
clinics to establish a Healthy Start Pregnancy Register. And she
drives the "Mem Van." Bach morning at seven, she begins picking
up women and taking them to doctors' offices. Afterwards, she
takes them home -- and then she shuttles another group in the
afternoon. 11 She's a friend to women who have no other friends.
She's saved and bettered the lives of hundreds of babies. And
she's here with us today: Tawana, good neighbors are the heroes
5
of our cities -- and you're the model of a good neighbor. 11
Unbelievable as it may seem, the innovations of Healthy
Start ran into resistance in Congress, where they're still too
much wedded to the old bureaucratic ways of doing things. I'm
optimistic, though. I believe our approach for empowering people
with new ideas is the way of the future.
Our crusade for preventive health care for infants and
expectant mothers will move a step further when we reform our
health insurance system. I've proposed making every American
able to afford a basic health insurance plan of his choice, using
credits or vouchers. Through the market system, we would provide
needy Americans better health care than they now receive.
The efforts we're highlighting today are in some ways
technical -- but we must not see them as concerns only for
professionals. The well-being of our youngest and most
vulnerable is everyone concern. We must become a society where
no child goes without a family. No child denied parental
guidance for forming character. No child without someone to play
B
with him, read to him. No child without someone to call him by
his name. Healthy Start is a vital part of a larger effort to
create a better society. Yes, we'll continue to need government
action for public health -- and we must strive to make it more
imaginative, more effective. But government programs can never
substitute for the generosity, the nurturing, the love that flow
from individuals and families who take their responsibilities to
heart. Thank you, and God bless you all.
(Duggan/Nix)
May 7, 1992
Draft Two
Health
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
MATERNAL AND INFANT HEALTH EVENT
EAST ROOM
MONDAY, MAY 11, 1992
[TIME]
[Acknowledgments]
Yesterday, on Mothers' Day, millions of Americans took time
to show their appreciation for the miracle of motherhood. We
thanked the mothers who brought us into this world -- who taught
us our first lessons about life and love and character.
Today I am proud to be part of a vital new effort focussed
on American mothers, their children and their families. We call
our effort Healthy Start.
Every year in our country, thousands of babies are delivered
at dangerously low birth weights. Many of these babies die or
suffer chronic ill health as a result. Thousands of America's
young children die or suffer crippling effects each year from
measles and other communicable childhood diseases. But the
saddest fact of all is: Most of this death and disease is easily
preventable through immunization and better prenatal care.
To attack this problem anew, we are mobilizing the best
ideas and resources of America's private enterprises, volunteers,
and government agencies. We are launching a promising new
program of public service advertising. And we are adding impetus
to national and local public health programs for providing needed
health care to expectant mothers and young children. Through
each of these actions, we will educate, encourage and assist
2
Americans in taking the simple steps to assure that more of our
babies are born strong and healthy -- and that our little ones
stay healthy through their earliest, formative years.
I salute and thank the leaders of the Advertising Council
for all the funds and the volunteer time and talent you have
organized for this cause. I know that public service programs
such as this work: Frequently I'm given updates on the success
of a program that had similar beginnings -- the media campaign of
the Partnership for a Drug-Free America. Thanks to this effort,
more and more of our teenagers are saying no to drugs. This
advertising campaign is helping our young people take heed of the
consequences of using illegal drugs -- and as a result they are
showing greater responsibility in their behavior.
I've often thought that the same sort of diligent use of
marketing science and communications talent could help motivate
Americans to address other social problems involving personal
responsibility -- for instance, keeping families together,
encouraging responsible sexual behavior, and other matters of
personal and family well-being. So I am confident that the
Advertising Council's new campaign will have strong and positive
results.
The Ad Council's messages will emphasize that the health of
pregnant women and their unborn babies is a matter of concern to
every member of a civilized society. When an expectant mother is
financially needy or without a husband or family to support her,
it is all the more urgent for good neighbors to show they care.
3
The Ad Council's first message, therefore, will target the
general public. It will stress that the crisis of infant
mortality and illness calls on all of us for action. The second
announcement will impress upon men the important roles they can
play. Whether a man is an unborn child's father, or a pregnant
woman's father, or another family member or friend, there is much
he can and should do to help an expectant mother care for herself
and her baby. The third in the series of announcements will tell
women of the importance of prenatal care -- that proper care
begins long before the baby is born. It will point out how
readily such care is available. The entire series assures
pregnant women who need help that they are not alone. Family,
friends and neighbors are being mobilized to help.
I also want to applaud today's announcement of new Standards
for Pediatric Immunization Practices. The standards are the work
of an expert panel representing many private and public sector
organizations. In brief, these standards will help clinics
improve their organization and management to meet the goal of
delivering the full series of major immunizations to all of our
children at the critical time when it can make a life-or-death
difference -- before the age of two.
The new standards incorporate some of the common-sense
principles that are helping competitive businesses all across
America improve product and service quality and enhance customer
satisfaction. With the new standards in practice, we'll see more
special immunization clinics in communities that need them -- and
4
we'll see improved services in general clinics, such as "express
lanes" for immunizing walk-in patients. The federal Center for
Disease Control, joined by professional organizations, will
disseminate the new standards widely and will encourage clinics
and practitioners to adopt them.
A third part of Healthy Start may be the most exciting of
all. We've launched a new demonstration program to help people
in communities with high infant mortality rates attack the
problem. We are distributing $65 million in federal funds to our
first 15 Healthy Start communities -- selected from among 45
communities which applied to take part in the demonstration. We
are not weighing down these community initiatives with burdensome
federal mandates and command-and-control regulations. We're
seeking to empower neighborhood volunteers and local governments
to invent effective new ways to help save babies' lives -- and
keep babies and their mothers strong and healthy.
[Examples, anecdotes about real volunteers and their
innovative ideas and efforts]
These grants are a beginning, but I want to point out that I
asked Congress for nearly twice as much money for the Healthy
Start demonstration projects. I faced powerful resistance in
Congress, where we have too many old thinkers wedded to worn-
out, bureaucratic ways of doing things. I am confident, though,
that our approach for empowering people with new ideas is the way
of the future. And I'm expecting the forces of political change
sweeping the country will give us a new Congress that's more
5
willing to let individuals and communities make the most of their
good ideas and initiatives.
Our crusade for preventive health care for infants and
expectant mothers will be advanced further when we put into
effect the major reforms I have proposed for our health insurance
system. I'll have more to say on this tomorrow, but let me say
now that my proposed system, using credits or vouchers, would
allow every American to afford a basic health insurance plan of
his choice -- and through more efficient market systems it would
provide needy Americans better health care than they now receive.
The efforts we're highlighting today are quite specific and
in some ways technical -- but Americans must not look upon them
as concerns only for professionals. The well-being of our
youngest and most vulnerable must be everyone's concern. I want
us to become an America where no unborn child will be rejected as
unwanted: One of the consequences of widespread abortion on
demand is that adoption agencies cannot find babies for hundreds
of thousands of qualified American families who want to adopt.
We must become a society where no child goes without a family.
No child denied parental guidance for forming character. No
child without someone to hold him, play with him, read to him.
No child without parents to call him by his name.
We must therefore look upon Healthy Start as a vital part of
a larger effort to make America a better society. Yes, we'll
continue to need government action for public health -- and we
must strive to make government programs more imaginative, more
6
efficient, more effective. But government programs can never
substitute for the generosity, the nurturing, the love that flow
from individuals and families who take their responsibilities to
heart. Thank you, and God bless you all.
#
#
#
(Duggan/Nix)
May 7, 1992
Draft Two
Health
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
MATERNAL AND INFANT HEALTH EVENT
EAST ROOM
MONDAY, MAY 11, 1992
[TIME]
[Acknowledgments]
Yesterday, on Mothers' Day, millions of Americans took time
to show their appreciation for the miracle of motherhood. We
thanked the mothers who brought us into this world -- who taught
us our first lessons about life and love and character.
Today I am proud to be part of a vital new effort focussed
on American mothers, their children and their families. We call
our effort Healthy Start.
Every year in our country, thousands of babies are delivered
at dangerously low birth weights. Many of these babies die or
suffer chronic ill health as a result. Thousands of America's
young children die or suffer crippling effects each year from
measles and other communicable childhood diseases. But the
saddest fact of all is: Most of this death and disease is easily
preventable through immunization and better prenatal care.
To attack this problem anew, we are mobilizing the best
ideas and resources of America's private enterprises, volunteers,
and government agencies. We are launching a promising new
program of public service advertising. And we are adding impetus
to national and local public health programs for providing needed
health care to expectant mothers and young children. Through
each of these actions, we will educate, encourage and assist
2
Americans in taking the simple steps to assure that more of our
babies are born strong and healthy -- and that our little ones
stay healthy through their earliest, formative years.
I salute and thank the leaders of the Advertising Council
for all the funds and the volunteer time and talent you have
organized for this cause. I know that public service programs
such as this work: Frequently I'm given updates on the success
of a program that had similar beginnings -- the media campaign of
the Partnership for a Drug-Free America. Thanks to this effort,
more and more of our teenagers are saying no to drugs. This
advertising campaign is helping our young people take heed of the
consequences of using illegal drugs -- and as a result they are
showing greater responsibility in their behavior.
I've often thought that the same sort of diligent use of
marketing science and communications talent could help motivate
Americans to address other social problems involving personal
responsibility -- for instance, keeping families together,
encouraging responsible sexual behavior, and other matters of
personal and family well-being. So I am confident that the
Advertising Council's new campaign will have strong and positive
results.
The Ad Council's messages will emphasize that the health of
pregnant women and their unborn babies is a matter of concern to
every member of a civilized society. When an expectant mother is
financially needy or without a husband or family to support her,
it is all the more urgent for good neighbors to show they care.
3
The Ad Council's first message, therefore, will target the
general public. It will stress that the crisis of infant
mortality and illness calls on all of us for action. The second
announcement will impress upon men the important roles they can
play. Whether a man is an unborn child's father, or a pregnant
woman's father, or another family member or friend, there is much
he can and should do to help an expectant mother care for herself
and her baby. The third in the series of announcements will tell
women of the importance of prenatal care -- that proper care
begins long before the baby is born. It will point out how
readily such care is available. The entire series assures
pregnant women who need help that they are not alone. Family,
friends and neighbors are being mobilized to help.
I also want to applaud today's announcement of new Standards
for Pediatric Immunization Practices. The standards are the work
of an expert panel representing many private and public sector
organizations. In brief, these standards will help clinics
improve their organization and management to meet the goal of
delivering the full series of major immunizations to all of our
children at the critical time when it can make a life-or-death
difference -- before the age of two.
The new standards incorporate some of the common-sense
principles that are helping competitive businesses all across
America improve product and service quality and enhance customer
satisfaction. With the new standards in practice, we'll see more
special immunization clinics in communities that need them -- and
4
we'll see improved services in general clinics, such as "express
lanes" for immunizing walk-in patients. The federal Center for
Disease Control, joined by professional organizations, will
disseminate the new standards widely and will encourage clinics
and practitioners to adopt them.
A third part of Healthy Start may be the most exciting of
all. We've launched a new demonstration program to help people
in communities with high infant mortality rates attack the
problem. We are distributing $65 million in federal funds to our
first 15 Healthy Start communities -- selected from among 45
communities which applied to take part in the demonstration. We
are not weighing down these community initiatives with burdensome
federal mandates and command-and-control regulations. We're
seeking to empower neighborhood volunteers and local governments
to invent effective new ways to help save babies' lives -- and
keep babies and their mothers strong and healthy.
[Examples, anecdotes about real volunteers and their
innovative ideas and efforts]
These grants are a beginning, but I want to point out that I
asked Congress for nearly twice as much money for the Healthy
Start demonstration projects. I faced powerful resistance in
Congress, where we have too many old thinkers wedded to worn-
out, bureaucratic ways of doing things. I am confident, though,
that our approach for empowering people with new ideas is the way
of the future. And I'm expecting the forces of political change
sweeping the country will give us a new Congress that's more
5
willing to let individuals and communities make the most of their
good ideas and initiatives.
Our crusade for preventive health care for infants and
expectant mothers will be advanced further when we put into
effect the major reforms I have proposed for our health insurance
system. I'll have more to say on this tomorrow, but let me say
now that my proposed system, using credits or vouchers, would
allow every American to afford a basic health insurance plan of
his choice -- and through more efficient market systems it would
provide needy Americans better health care than they now receive.
The efforts we're highlighting today are quite specific and
in some ways technical -- but Americans must not look upon them
as concerns only for professionals. The well-being of our
youngest and most vulnerable must be everyone's concern. I want
us to become an America where no unborn child will be rejected as
unwanted: One of the consequences of widespread abortion on
demand is that adoption agencies cannot find babies for hundreds
of thousands of qualified American families who want to adopt.
We must become a society where no child goes without a family.
No child denied parental guidance for forming character. No
child without someone to hold him, play with him, read to him.
No child without parents to call him by his name.
We must therefore look upon Healthy Start as a vital part of
a larger effort to make America a better society. Yes, we'll
continue to need government action for public health -- and we
must strive to make government programs more imaginative, more
6
efficient, more effective. But government programs can never
substitute for the generosity, the nurturing, the love that flow
from individuals and families who take their responsibilities to
heart. Thank you, and God bless you all.
#
#
#
TIME OF TRANSMISSION
TIME OF RECEIPT
WHITE HOUSE
SITUATION ROOM
PRECEDENCE: IMMEDIATE
RELEASER:
PRIORITY
ROUTINE
DTG:
MESSAGE NO.
CLASSIFICATION unclassified
PAGES BA
FROM Nancy Benson (Name)
456-2930
122 0EOB
(Phone Number)
(Room No.)
MESSAGE DESCRIPTION
Alixe Glen Fax
TO (Agency)
DELIVER TO:
DEPT/ROOM NO.
PHONE NUMBER
L.A. Staff Christina Martin
REMARKS:
URGENT!
°05. 07. 92 05:06 PM
P01
HUMAN SERVICES USA
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
4
HEALTH
A fax message from:
OF
Debbie Messick
DEPARTMENT
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs
Phone: (202) 245-1853 Fax: (202) 245-5673
To:
ChristinaMartin
Fax: 456-6218
Phone:
Date:
Total number of pages sent: 11
Comments:
aliye Slen ashed that you
receive the attached- -
May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Bldg. HHH, Room 647-D, Washington, D.C. 20201
05. 07. 92 05:06 PM
P02
GLOVERS
OFFICIAL
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH a HUMAN SERVICES
Office of the Secretary
(
Washington, D.C. 20201
MEMORANDUM TO ROBIN CARLE
FROM:
ALIXE GLEN ARG
SUBJECT:
MAY 11 CHILD HEALTH EVENT SPEECH
Just a few comments on the draft we received:
o
There are three separate announcements to be made here:
Healthy Start Advertising campaign; Immunization Action
Plan; and, Immunization Standards. Immunization does not
"fall under" Healthy Start Initiative.
Information on immunization is sorely lacking. I've
included our new draft release which should make the
immunization programs much clearer.
There should be a reference to the fact that last June in a
Rose Garden ceremony, President Bush called on Sec. Sullivan
and health leaders to visit 6 cities where they would learn
more about what would work to solve the immunization
crisis. (see attached POTUS speech). They visited the
cities and as a result multi-faceted plan was developed
involving public and private sectors. Plans in every state
and community are currently being developed based on this
model. Representatives from each of the six cities will be
attending.
Representatives from each Healthy Start site will be in the
audience, they should be recognized.
Reference to the Partnership for a Drug Free America should
be deleted. They are in direct competition with the Ad
Council for public service space. Instead, refer to health
campaigns like DOT's seatbelt campaign, anti-smoking
efforts, high blood pressure campaign, cancer screening,
mammography, nutrition education as success stories.
Specifically, on page 2, delete in the first paragraph, Ad
council "funds", we pay for Ad Council Services, they
volunteer talent.
On page 4 -- talking about distributing $65 million in
grants is very old news
But, the part of that paragraph discussing empowerment, etc.
is GREAT.
05. 07. 92 05:06 PM
P03
O
All reference to abortion must go this is not the correct
audience for that message and, no matter how healthy our
target audience's babies are, they would never, under any
circumstances, give their children up for adoption. Its
culturally incorrect.
05. 07. 92 05:06 PM
P04
HHS NEWS
DRAFT
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: PHS Press Office
May 11, 1992
(202) 245-6867
CDC Press Office
(404) 639-3286
President Bush today announced an interagency early childhood
immunization plan harnessing eight agencies of the federal
government -- including the Departments of HHS, Agriculture,
Education, and Housing and Urban Development -- in an effort to get
American children vaccinated by age 2.
The President said the effort can "save our children from
unnecessary disease, disability and death." To support the plan,
he said, an all-time high in federal immunization funding is in
place -- and more is being sought for next year.
In addition, he said, efforts will be carried out involving
all 50 states, 13 territories and 24 large cities to develop
community-based immunization action plans. Some $46 million in
immunization grant funds is available this year to help support
early implementation of these plans.
The White House ceremony today was also the occasion for
announcing new immunization standards. A working group of federal,
state, local and private organizations developed the "Standards for
Pediatric Immunization Practices" based on a recommendation of the
Public Health Service's National Vaccine Advisory Committee. These
standards are designed to help health care professionals take
advantage of all opportunities to screen and vaccinate children.
- MORE -
MAY- 7-92
4
community leaders and volunteers is wasted because of the bad
intentions of drug dealers and gang members.
When a neighborhood is overridden by crime, businesses are
driven away, taking jobs and opportunities with them. Potential
investors and would-be employers are scared away; builders and
landlords are discouraged because property values plummet. It
has become increasingly clear -- to business owners, parents,
teachers, public housing residents, to anyone who reads a
newspaper -- that law enforcement is an absolute prerequisite for
social programs to succeed.
That is why the Weed and Seed strategy works -- because it
makes good, common sense.
I have asked Congress to authorize the designation of Weed
and Seed communities as enterprise zones. Once law enforcement
has done its job, growth and opportunity will be stimulated
through investment, job creation and local entrepreneurial
activity in crime- and drug-free neighborhoods.
We've seen Weed and Seed work in pilot sites such as Trenton
and Kansas city -- and as a result, this year 16 more cities have
begun Weed and Seed programs. We're seeking a substantial
expansion of the Weed and Seed program for FY 1993 -- we're
requesting $500 million be made available for up to 30 qualifying
cities next year. I have also asked Congress to immediately
authorize parts of Los Angeles as Weed and Seed sites, so that we
can help the community best by focusing our resources on those
areas which need it help most.
5
The Weed and Seed approach is one of the answers people are
searching for. As I said in Los Angeles on Friday, it's time we
tried something different. A fresh approach. One that gives the
word opportunity real meaning. We do believe that work is better
than welfare. That independence is better than dependence. That
ownership is better than tenancy.
I believe in policies that rely on the community for
guidance -- that encourage entrepreneurship, increase investment
and create jobs. In my view, the best hope for genuine
community renewal lies in those traditional institutions which
emerge from the communities themselves -- and which are the best
institutions for the moral formation of children: the church,
community groups, and most importantly, the family.
In the final analysis, nothing can substitute for the clear
moral vision, the discipline, and the respect for authority that
strong families, religion and community values provide. By
shoring up the foundation of civilized society -- the family and
the local community -- our social programs can help fight both
poverty and crime.
Weed and Seed seeks to do just that -- by working, as
partners, with families, churches and community groups. The
program's goal is to create a climate in which these natural
institutions can do the job they have done so well for centuries.
One resident of a Weed and Seed neighborhood in Seattle, Kathi
Lehr, said it best: "I want my neighborhood to be a safe place,
where people know and respect each other, and there are spoken
6
community values about right and change." People like Kathi Lehr
are looking for answers, and they need look no further than their
own neighborhoods. The people of Philadelphia have found answers
-- and they lie in the courage and commitment of their neighbors
who are willing to try new solutions and find new hope for us
all.
Thank you all very much and keep up the good work. God
bless the United States
# # #
05. 07. 92 05:06 PM
P05
- 2 -
The President said afforts begun last June by the
Administration and six target communities have shown that these
barriers to early immunization can be attacked and eliminated --
through such steps as offering immunizations at more convenient
hours and walk-in clinics, at public housing facilities and in
connection with other health and social service programs.
Four further steps were outlined today:
O A "Plan to Improve Access to Immunization Services" was
released, prepared by the Interagency Committee on Immunization.
The committee includes representatives of eight federal agencies
which serve pre-school aged children in any way, and the plan is
meant to ensure that programs are used to help reach children who
need to be vaccinated. The plan has 120 activities designed to
improve children's access to immunization services through:
1) strengthening coordination between federal health,
income, housing, education and nutrition programs --
i.e., adding an opportunity for vaccination whenever or
wherever various programs interact with kids;
2) making vaccine delivery systems more "user friendly" by
removing policy and management barriers, such as
inconvenient hours or locations; and
3) enhancing the vaccine delivery infrastructure --
supplementing the facilities and personnel, often lost
or neglected in some urban areas -- to provide
immunization services.
o As a major state and local component of the national
initiative, HHS is extending implementation of "Immunization Action
Plans" to 63 immunization projects in all states and U.S.
territories and 24 major cities in FY 1992. The new IAP's follow
the "phenomenally successful" demonstration of the approach in six
cities during the past year, said HHS Secretary Louis W. Sullivan,
M.D. The Immunization Action Plans were first implemented from
September 1991 to February 1992 in Dallas; Maricopa County
(including Phoenix) ; South Dakota; Detroit; San Diego County;
and Philadelphia. These initial plans are serving as models for
guiding the remaining areas in developing their own.
- MORE -
05.
07.
92
05:06
PM
- 3 -
Those areas competing for an award from the $46 million
reserved for Immunization Action Plan implementation must submit
their requests to CDC by July 17. Awards will be announced by
Sept. 30, 1992. Similar funding is anticipated in FY 1993. While
federal funding is expected to help communities implement their
plans, in-kind and financial contributions also must come from the
state and local communities themselves if the plans are to be fully
implemented.
Secretary Sullivan said, "These state and local plans are the
cornerstone for improving immunization levels among our children.
State and local agencies must get involved in developing sound and
comprehensive plans to meet differing local needs -- and to achieve
our overall national goals."
o
New "Standards for Pediatric Immunization Practices" have been
recommended by the National Vaccine Advisory Committee. The
standards were developed by a 35-member working group drawn from
23 different public and private sector organizations and from
numerous state and local health departments. The primary objective
of the Standards is to provide guidance to health care
professionals on how to eliminate missed opportunities for
vaccination and how to make immunization services free of all
barriers by defining and standardizing good immunization practices.
Secretary Sullivan urged health care providers involved in
immunizations "to adopt and use these Standards as a primary means
of eliminating barriers to immunization and reducing missed
opportunities, the greatest contributors to underimmunization in
this country."
o The Centers for Disease Control is undertaking a new "National
Preschool Immunization Public Information Campaign" as a major
component of its overall information and education strategy, The
purpose of the campaign is to (1) raise the public's (including
health care providers) awareness and knowledge of the
underimmunization problem in this country, and (2) create an
appropriate demand for early childhood immunization that is
coordinated with public and private sector health care systems that
deliver these services. The new campaign will include TV, radio
and print public service announcements and other information
materials for both national and local use.
"Our guiding principle is to reach out to parents and young
children to ensure proper vaccination, and to make our immunization
services as convenient and user-friendly as possible," Secretary
Sullivan said.
Dr. Sullivan said federal spending on immunizations has
increased sharply, with FY 1992 spending of $297 million. The
President's request for FY 1993 is $349 million, or 3-1/2 times
the FY 1988 amount.
###
05.
07.
S2
05:06
PM
P07
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
June 13, 1991
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
ON CHILDHOOD IMMUNIZATION
The Rose Garden
9:26 A.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT: Let me just say at the outset of these
remarks how proud I am of our Secretary, who is taking the lead in
matters like immunization, the subject at hand today, and so many
others. Going across this country, the message of hope, recognizing
our shortcomings, but also outlining programs that are essential to
the health of this nation.
I'm delighted to see Chairman Whitten here, long
interested in the health of our children, and Congressman Norm Lent
and three Senators whose passion is this kind of caring for others.
And I'm talking about Senator Sumpers, Senator Hatch and Senator
Chaffee, all with us here today.
And I also want to just second the motion as to what Lou
said about Assistant Secretary Mason and Surgeon General Novello,
and, of course, our old associate here who now heads the Center for
Disease Control, Bill Roper. Welcome back, Bill. Glad to have you
here.
And let me also salute, because this is vital to success
of a program like this, the state and local health officials. And
I'd be remiss if I didn't signal out this dressy bunch of kids here
in the front row. They look great and there's a certain symbolism of
having them with us today. And thank you -- their teachers and their
families -- for bringing them our way. To them I say I'll try to be
brief. (Laughter.) As with immunization, this will only hurt a
little. (Laughter.)
When we announced our national education goals, the very
first was that by the year 2000 all children in America will start
school ready to learn. And that's one reason we put such emphasis on
our Healthy start Initiative. Every child deserves a chance. And in
the 1990s, no child in America should be at risk to deadly diseases
like diptheria and polio or the one that Lou was stressing here
today, measles.
A decade ago, we hoped to eradicate these threats. And
thanks to those of you here today and many others across our country,
we have made remarkable progress. And on behalf of a grateful nation
then, let me thank all of you and others like you for what you have
done by being in the leadership role in these important questions.
I uroe vou to aet on now with the job at hand because.
Extended Page
7.1
& urys you CO you USI now will JOB " NEWSUSE,
despite our successes, 1990 brought the largest number of measles
cases since 1977 -- 1977 -- a 50-percent increase over '89. And
that's why I, again, commend the Secretary of HHS Dr. sullivan, and
Dr. Mason, Surgeon General Novello and Mr. Roper and others for
performing their HHS SWAT team to visit six major cities -- Lou gave
you the names -- work with state and local officials -- some of you
here today.
And they want to learn why kids aren't getting immunized.
And they want to get every community mobilized. And out of this
testing they'll come forward with ideas that I hope will help this
nation's health.
MORE
05. 07. 92 05:06 PM
P08
- 2 -
We've got to find out what works and make sure the word
spreads 50 that the disease does not. By getting to kids at an
earlier age, by educating parents and finding creative ways to get
them into the clinics, we can see that no child is left vulnerable
without a vaccine for preventable childhood diseases.
My budget for '92 calls for an additional $40 million for
the CDC immunization program, targeted especially to communities
where the need is the greatest. Overall, federal funding for
immunizations has more than doubled since '88. But a problem like
this one won't be solved by directives out of the White House, or out
of HHS, or out of NIH, or wherever. We've got to assault it from all
angles and levels with public health efforts with creative
partnerships between the nonprofits and the private sector with
conscientious action on the part of parents, teachers and citizens.
And we have plenty of vaccines. But we must do the hard
work of logistics, of planning, of coordination to get the medicine
to kids who need it, especially in the urban neighborhoods.
so let me thank all of you here today, singling out a few
points of light in this effort -- the Junior Leagues, the Children's
Action Network, and many other organizations and individuals who have
been committed to childhood immunization programs for years. You've
been doing the Lord's work for years, long before we've got the
proper focus on it here at the federal government. Your remarkable
work to build awareness will get results. And I'm certain of that.
Throughout our health policy programs, we're putting new
emphasis on prevention. America's a humane and caring society that
cannot condone unnecessary suffering. And what's more, to remain a
vital society, we can't afford to waste human resources either.
Disease prevention represents our best opportunity to reduce the
ever-increasing portion of our resources that we now spend to treat
preventable illnesses.
For the sake of children who need protection from
childhood diseases, we need to try creative ideas like "One-Stop
Shopping" for health care, and escorted referral for "express lane"
immunization at clinics. By encouraging all health care
professionals never to miss a chance to give a shot, we'll have a
fighting chance to get ahead of these diseases.
Along with all who serve in health care, today I call on
every parent everywhere in America: Don't take a chance. The
facilities are there. The vaccines are available. Call your local
public health official or your own physician. Please, make sure your
child is immunized.
A deadly plague called polio threatened my generation --
darkened the fun of summers and crippled and killed kids. But
American ingenuity, fantastic research, stopped that killer. And
while some say each generation repeats the mistakes of the last, no
generation in America should suffer the plagues of the past.
American decency demands that we not let complacency lead
to contagion -- and never let apathy lead to epidemic. So with the
efforts of people like you, with the help from these five congressmen
Extended Page 8.1
and many members of Congress and many others -- Chairman Whitten,
Norm Lent, Senator Bumpers, Senator Hatch and Senator Chafee -- the
help of these leads .. Who else did I miss? Where is Arlen? Now,
Senator Specter has done something he normally doesn't do, he's
blended in with the crowd back there. (Laughter.) But you should be
sitting up here so I could finger you. But stand up, because I want
these other -- or you could come up with us. But Senator Specter has
been a leader in this whole quest for helping kids.
so it's a cooperative effort. And I'm going to approach
it that way as we -- I hope our department is. I know Lou Sullivan
is. And it's not just the members of Congress, nor the President of
the United States. It's all of you. Many of you have been out front
MORE
05. 07. S2 05:06 PM
PO9
3 . 0
long before we have. But I thank you. I salute you. And now let's
go out and get the job done. And thanks for coming to the White
House on this beautiful day.
And, Arlen, if you all would come up, let me just get one
quick picture with our health professionals here.
Thank you all very, very much. (Applause.)
of
Mr. President, who will submit your health package
to Congress? who will submit it, sir?
=
THE PRESIDENT: -- piece by piece. You're hearing a very
important part of it right now.
END
9:37 A.M. EDT
P10
News Release
CIGNA Corporation
1
GORNET
Horriera. CT 06152
(203) 726-6000
For Release:
CIGNA
IMMEDIATE
Post-It" brand Post-It"brand fex fax transmittal memo 7671
Contact:
Amy DeMarco
(203) 726-4450
"AJ HARRYS
AMERICAN BUSINESS PAYING BILLIONS
IN MATERNAL/INFANT COSTS WHEN EFFECTIVE PRENATAL CARE
COULD SAVE LIVES AND LOWER COSTS
WASHINGTON, D.C., APRIL 30, 1992 - Two studies released today by CIGNA
Corporation reveal that problem births - involving preterm delivery or other
significant health problems for the newborn - are costing American business billions
of dollars a year at a time when more effective prenatal care could save lives and
lower that bill.
Within their own health benefits programs, American business and their employees will
pay an estimated $5.6 billion in health care costs for mothers and infants, a group in
which a surprising one out of 22 pregnancies results in infants with severe health
problems. And, American businesses will pay more than an estimated $4 billion this
year for uncompensated health care costs incurred by America's poorest mothers and
their newborn babies.
"The studies released today highlight the need for employers to move beyond simply
providing coverage," said C. Robert O'Brien, CIGNA executive vice president, who is
actively involved in the national health care reform policy discussion.
(more)
CIGNA Corporation Ifself is not on insurance company. Insurance products and services are soid only by the Corporation's
insurance company subsidiaries.
Gal. PASIESS
05. 07. S2 05:06 PM
P 1 1
-2-
"Both studies suggest that increased access to strong prenatal education and care
programs for all women will ultimately save billions of dollars. and more importantly,
save thousands of infant's lives."
According to a Georgia State University study, "Corporate Costs of Poor Birth
Outcomes," approximately one out of four of the babies born to insured women had
health problems ranging from mild to severe. If the rate of poor birth outcomes had
been 12 percent rather than 25 percent, the total cost of maternal and infant care
would have dropped 10 percent - an annual savings of nearly $3 billion.
Researchers at Georgia State University analyzed CIGNA employer group indemnity
claims from nearly 60,000 mother-Infant pairs nationwide between September 1, 1989
and August 31, 1991.
Further analysis of the data conducted by CIGNA showed four and one-half percent, or
one out of 22, of these infants had very severe health problems - ranging from
respiratory distress syndrome to extreme Immaturity - primarily caused by a
premature birth. Eight percent, or one out of 12 infants, had moderate problems - -
ranging from perinatal infections to respiratory illnesses.
This study found that on average these problem births cost about $20,500 for prenatal,
delivery and post-delivery care for infants and their mothers, slightly more than double
the cost associated with their healthy counterparts. Infants born with extrame
Immaturity - before 28 weeks or weighing less than 1,000 grams - had some of the
most severe medical problems. These infants averaged Initial health care costs of
about $77,000, and hospital stays of 37 days.
Six percent of the study group infants were born prematurely, a rate that closely
tracks the seven percent national rate that includes the uninsured population.
HNDID Mdor:ro 76. 60 190
05. 07. 92 05:06 PM
P 1 2
-3-
A second study, "Impact of Uncompensated Maternity and Infant Care Costs on
Employers," conducted by the Center for Health Policy Studies in Maryland, analyzed
birth outcomes in New York for mothers with Medicaid coverage for maternity care -
and mothers with no maternity care coverage at all. The uncompensated costs for
maternal and infant health care in New York - the amount not covered by the patient,
Medicaid or some other government program - totaled more than $216 million in
1989. Nationwide, the uncompensated costs totaled almost $3 billion in 1989 and is
estimated to be $4 billion this year.
"Improving infant health among all American mothers - poor and affluent - - is a
complex challenge, involving the mothers themselves, their families, physicians,
employers and a variety of support systems," Mr. O'Brien said. "It's a challenge that
should be met together by the public and private sectors."
The studies were released at the Corporate Summit for Children, convened in
Washington, D.C. today. The Summit seeks to stimulate American businesses to
promote improved infant and maternal health. Sponsored by CIGNA, this unique forum
is an opportunity for business leaders, policymakers, healthcare providers and
educators to work together to develop blueprints for action that can be implemented in
the workplace, in the community and in the public policy arena to make a difference
for families.
The CIGNA companies are leading providers of insurance, health care, employee
benefits, pension and investment management and related financial services to
busineses and individuals worldwide.
Copies of both studies released today are available by calling (203) 726-8340.
###
sorge Bush, 1992
Administration of George Bush, 1992 / May 11
823
Returning
or public subsidies, or fails to eliminate spe-
80 percent of the spending limit, the partici-
ongressional
cial interest PACs.
pating candidate may spend without limit
nit and
Further, as I have previously stated, I am
and receive unlimited Federal matching
1992
opposed to different rules for the House and
funds. The subsidies provided for in S. 3
Senate on matters of ethics and election re-
could amount to well over 100 million dollars
form. In several key respects, S. 3 contains
every election cycle, yet the Act is silent on
ates:
separate rules for House and Senate can-
how these generous Government subsidies
without my ap-
didates, with no apparent justification other
would be financed. It seems inevitable that
onal Campaign
than political expediency.
they would be paid for by the American tax-
Reform Act of
S. 3 no longer contains the provision that
payer. I understand why Members of Gon-
finance system
the Senate passed last year abolishing all
gress would be reluctant to ask taxpayers di-
rs I have called
PACs. Although that provision was overbroad
rectly to subsidize their reelection cam-
1 our campaign
in banning issue-oriented PACs unconnected
paigns, but given the significant costs of S.
duce the influ-
to special interests, S. 3 would not eliminate
3, its failure to address the funding question
estore the influ-
any PACs. Instead, the Act provides only a
is
irresponsible.
cal parties, and
reduced limit on individual PAC con-
Our: Nation needs campaign finance laws
ages of incum-
tributions to Senate candidates and no
that place the interests of individual citizens
omplish any of
change in the status quo in the House. More-
and political parties above special interests,
to perpetuating
over, the limit on aggregate PAC con-
and that provide a level playing field between
pecial interests
tributions to House candidates to one-third
challengers and incumbents. What we do not
challengers and
of the spending limit, $200,000, is not likely
need is a taxpayer-financed incumbent pro-
oolitical speech
to diminish the heavy reliance of Members
tection plan. For these reasons, I am vetoing
nent and inevi-
on PAC contributions. The average amount
S.3.
reasury to pay
a Member of Congress raised from PACs in
George Bush
of public sub-
the last election cycle was $209,000.
The spending limits for both House and
The White House,
rehensive cam-
Senate candidates will most likely hurt chal-
May 9, 1992.
tion to reduce
lengers more than incumbents, especially be-
:rests and the
cause S.3 does little to reduce the advantages
roposal would
of incumbency. Inexplicably, there is no par-
ittees (PACs)
allel House provision to the sensible Senate
Remarks on Maternal and Infant ay
ons, and trade
provision restricting the use of the frank in
Health Care
statutorily the
an election year. In the last election cycle,
May 11, 1992
orkers, imple-
the amount incumbent House Members
's decision in
spent on franked mail was three times the
Thank you, Lou, thank you, Secretary Sul-
3eck. It would
total amount spent by all House challengers.
livan, and welcome, everyone. Let me just
,ould virtually
The system of public benefits, designed to
pay a special thanks to Senator Dale Bump-
ling. It would
induce candidates to agree to abide by the
ers and to Congressman Tom Bliley, who
all soft money
spending limits, is unlikely in many cases to
have been spearheading many of our prenatal
es and by cor-
overcome the inherent favors of incumbency.
and immunization initiatives on Capitol Hill.
d restrict the
S. 3 contains several unconstitutional pro-
They are true leaders for this cause, and
ileges enjoyed
visions, although none more serious than the
we're delighted to see you all here today.
nt incumbents
aggregate spending limits. In Buckley V.
Also to Jim Mason, our Assistant Secretary
hests from ex-
Valeo, the Supreme Court ruled that to be
for Health; Bill Roper from Atlanta, doing
ous elections.
constitutional, spending limits must be vol-
a superb job as our Director at CDC. And
"ms, and I am
untary. There is nothing "voluntary" about
a warm welcome to representatives of the
few of them,
the spending limits in this Act. The penalties
Advertising Council and to all the very spe-
the Congress
in S. 3 for candidates who choose not to abide
cial mothers and children who are with us
baign finance
by the spending limits or to accept Treasury
today.
on along the
funds are punitive-unlike the Presidential
Yesterday, on Mother's Day, millions of
I will sign it
campaign system-as well as costly to the tax-
Americans took time to appreciate the mir-
accept legis-
payer. For example, if a nonparticipating
acle of motherhood. We thank the mothers
ending limits
House candidate spends just one dollar over
who brought us into this world, who taught
G
Pr
824
May 11 / Administration of George Bush, 199
SU
us our first lessons about life and love and
tration's budget for immunization continue
OF
character. Today, we're taking some vital
to respond to the need. For fiscal '93, we'r
Wa
steps to help American mothers, their chil-
seeking an increase to $349 million. We'r
dren, and their families. We're announcing
also announcing new standards for pediatr
OF
improved standards and a new action plan
immunization, the work of an expert pan
Pei
for immunization. We're beginning a public
representing many private and public secto
service ad campaign to promote an innova-
organizations. They're going to help clini
tive prenatal care program called Healthy
improve their method to provide vaccinatic
Start, the program Dr. Sullivan referred to.
to kids who need them the most.
Every year in America thousands of babies
I salute the leaders again of the Adverti
are delivered at dangerously low birth
ing Council for all the volunteer time ar
weights, and too many of these babies die
talent that you have organized for the cau
or suffer chronic illness as a result. Thou-
of infant mortality. I know that public servi
sands of our young children suffer crippling
ad campaigns such as this work. Think of t
effects each year from measles and other
success of other Ad Council campaigns {
communicable childhood diseases, and some
kicking the smoking habit, for seatbelt u
even die. But the saddest fact of all is this:
for screening for cancer. All such efforts he
Most of this death and disease is easily pre-
people show greater responsibility in th
ventable through immunization and through
own behavior.
better prenatal care. To the extent they are
Now, I've often thought that the same S
preventable, they too often reflect bad health
of diligent use of marketing science and CO
choices stemming from ignorance of good
munications talents could help motiv
health behavior or absence of a defined sense
Americans to address other problems invo
of personal responsibility by the parents.
ing personal responsibility, for instance,
All of our maternal and child health pro-
keeping families together, encouraging
grams are being improved, integrated, and
sponsible sexual behavior, and other mat
developed to promote the principles of inno-
of personal and family well-being. So
vation, of community involvement, and per-
confident that the Ad Council's new c:
sonal responsibility. We are using new and
paign will have strong and positive resi
creative approaches to bringing high-risk
The Council's messages will empha
women into care. To attack this problem we
that the health of pregnant women and t
are mobilizing the Nation's best ideas and
unborn babies is a matter of concern to e
resources. The hallmarks of our plan can be
member of a civilized society. When an
summed up in two words: immunization and
pectant mother is financially needy or V
action.
out a husband or a family to support
Last June I stood here in the Rose Garden
it is all the more urgent for good neigh
with the Secretary to call for a stronger im-
to show that they care. The Ad Council's
munization effort. We sent out teams to six
message, therefore, targets the general
areas of our country to determine how we
lic. It calls on all of us for action. The th
could do it better. We learned lessons that
that you'll soon be hearing on televisi
we're now applying nationwide. I was pleased
this: We must not accept high rates of is
to be a part of the visit to San Diego in Feb-
deaths because this is America.
ruary and happy that representatives of all
The second announcement will im
six communities that we looked at are here
upon men the importance of their
with us today.
Whether a man is an unborn child's f
Today we're announcing a new action plan
or another family member or friend,
to get our children vaccinated when it makes
is much he can and should do to he
the greatest difference, before the age of two.
expectant mother. We cannot unde
The plan requires more effective coordina-
male responsibility.
tion to promote vaccination among the var-
The third announcement will tell W
ious Federal Agencies that serve children.
that proper care begins long before the
We're helping States and localities with their
is born. Consider this: Babies born a
own immunization plans. And our adminis-
pregnancy with no prenatal care are
rge Bush, 1992
Administration of George Bush, 1992 / May 11
825
ation continues
times more likely to die than those whose
of our cities, and you're the model of a good
fiscal '93, we're
mothers received care beginning in the first
neighbor. Thank you for what you do.
million. We're
trimester. The full series assures pregnant
Unbelievable as it may seem, the innova-
is for pediatric
women in need that they are not alone. Care
tions of Healthy Start ran into resistance up
in expert panel
is available, and good neighbors are being
in Congress where they are still too much
d public sector
mobilized to help.
wedded to the old bureaucratic ways of doing
to help clinics
The Healthy Start approach represents
things. I'm optimistic, though. I believe our
ide vaccination
what we should be doing to solve our social
approach for empowering people with new
st.
problems: local solutions, local control, local
ideas is the way of the future. Our crusade
of the Advertis-
accountability. The first 15 Healthy Start
for preventive health care for infants and ex-
ateer time and
communities were chosen from a long list
pectant mothers will move a step further
d for the cause
of applicants. I understand that rep-
when we reform this-overall reform of the
t public service
resentatives of many of these communities
health insurance system. I've proposed mak-
rk. Think of the
from around the Nation are here today, and
ing every American able to afford a basic
campaigns for
thank you all for your good work.
health insurance plan of his choice, using
or seatbelt use,
We're not weighing down these commu-
credits or vouchers. And through the market
uch efforts help
nity initiatives with burdensome Federal
system, we would provide needy Americans
sibility in their
mandates and command-and-control regula-
better health care than they now receive.
tions. We're seeking to empower neighbor-
These two efforts represent a new way of
it the same sort
hood volunteers in local governments to in-
solving our problems in infant mortality and
ience and com-
vent effective new ways to help save babies'
immunization. Our guiding principle is to
help motivate
lives and keep babies and their mothers
reach out: Reach out to young parents, make
roblems involv-
strong and healthy.
sure they know what they need to do, and
for instance, in
Healthy Start successes will come from
then help them to do it; reach out to commu-
encouraging re-
people who see neighbors in need and ask,
nity organizations; reach out to the private
d other matters
"What can I do to help?" And they follow
sector; and reach across the artificial lines in
-being. So I'm
through on their generous impulses. And
our Government so that any program that
cil's new cam-
they keep noticing and helping more people.
touches young children and their parents will
bositive results.
I'm talking about people like Minnie Thomas
become an opportunity point for better
will emphasize
in Oakland, California. An energetic grand-
health.
omen and their
mother, she was helping drug abusers when
We have new kinds of problems, and so
oncern to every
she learned there was no facility for drug
we've got to think in new ways. We need
J. When an ex-
abusers who became pregnant. So she
to think about all the opportunities that we
needy or with-
opened her own facility called Solid Founda-
have to draw in young families who may be
o support her,
tion. And 47 kids have been born to mothers
left out today, to help them, to inform them.
good neighbors
at Solid Foundation, and not one suffered
We need to enlist them and enlist our com-
d Council's first
from low birth weight.
munities to work together to help them. All
ne general pub-
Here in Washington, Tawana Fortune-
the community organizations have a tremen-
tion. The theme
Jones is the woman with the Mom Van, and
dous role to play. It's already worked in our
on television is
she knocks on doors in neighborhoods where
six demonstration immunization cities, and I
h rates of infant
infant mortality is high. She's enlisted the co-
am confident that it's going to work in
operation of doctors and clinics to establish
Healthy Start and in more immunization
at will impress
a Healthy Start Pregnancy Register. She
communities all around this great country.
of their role.
drives the Mom Van, and each morning at
Thank you all for your leadership. Again,
n child's father
7 a.m. she begins picking up women and tak-
my respects to the two Members of Congress
or friend, there
ing them to doctors' offices. Afterwards she
here. Thank the doctors here, and thank all
do to help an
takes them home, and then she shuttles an-
not understate
of you working in the communities to make
other group in the afternoon. She's a friend
life just a little better for the kids and for
to women who have no other friends, and
will tell women
the families out there. Thank you all for com-
she's saved and bettered the lives of hun-
before the baby
ing.
dreds of babies. And she's here with us today.
es born after a
Tawana, where are you now? Right over
Note: The President spoke at 11:16 a.m. in
care are four
here. Tawana, good neighbors are the heroes
the Rose Garden at the White House.