Reps. Clack, Kehrl, Vagnozzi, Zelenko, Byrum, Gonzales, Gleason, Sak, Meisner, Sheltrown, Hansen, Polidori, Spade, Wojno, Byrnes, Plakas, Alma Smith, Espinoza, Hopgood, Kathleen Law, Anderson, Leland, Williams, Gillard, Hunter, Tobocman, Newell, Nofs, Stewart, Moolenaar, Virgil Smith, Farrah, Lipsey, Hood, Kolb, Brown, Adamini, Murphy, Accavitti, Bieda, Donigan, Miller, Vander Veen, Hune, Lemmons, III, Cheeks, Condino, Dillon, Kooiman, McDowell and Mortimer offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 123.

A resolution to commemorate September 20, 2005, as Take A Loved One To The Doctor Day in the state of Michigan.

Whereas, The “Closing the Health Gap” Campaign (Campaign) was launched by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the ABC Radio Networks, in November 2001.  The aim of this Campaign was an educational one designed to help make good health an important issue among racial and ethnic populations, who are affected by serious diseases and health conditions at a far greater rates than other Americans.  In 2002, the Campaign focused on a series of health messages targeted toward the African-American community.  In 2003, the Campaign expanded to include Latino Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, American Indians, and Alaska Natives.   The purpose of this Campaign is to inform and educate communities of color about the health gap, empower individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles, and obtain access to health care; and

Whereas, Take A Loved One to the Doctor Day (Doctor Day) observance on the third Tuesday in September has become a key element of this Campaign.  The focus of the day is to encourage individuals to take charge of their health by visiting a health professional (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, or other health provider), making an appointment for a visit, attending a health event in the community or helping a friend, neighbor, or family member to do the same. It was reported that through the Doctor Day, thousands of Americans have shown their families, friends, and colleagues how much they care by taking them to the doctor; and

Whereas, Although the preventive measure of regular doctor visits can possibly add years to someone life; research has shown that many individuals need to be motivated to seek out regular health care.  Since most people wait until there is an emergency before they go see a doctor, Doctor Day is an excellent way to screen individuals and where necessary, refer them for follow-up care. Former US Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson said, “Doctor Day is about bringing people to health care early, when diseases can be prevented or treated successfully.  It is also about creating awareness, providing information, and motivating Americans to make healthier lifestyle choices”; and

Whereas,  The 2004 Take A Loved One to the Doctor Day National Chairperson Tom Joyner, national syndicated talk show host, said, “We must be willing to take the lead in the health matters that affect us and those we love and it begins with a visit to the doctor.  We can each play a role in making our health a priority in our lives”; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body commemorate the Closing the Health Gap Campaign, and honor the contributions it is making by eliminating health disparities by naming, September 20, 2005, as Take A Loved One to the Doctor Day in the state of Michigan; and be it further  

Resolved, We honor and join other organizations throughout the state and this country, as they promote healthier lifestyles among our citizenry, by motivating them to seek regular doctor visits, in the pursuit of the wonderful desire that we will all live healthy lives; and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the US Department of Health and Human Services and health care organizations throughout the state of Michigan.