| |
| |
|
|
R E S O L U T I O N
|
|
|
WHEREAS, The United Health Foundation has awarded a $2 |
|
|
million partnership grant to the University of Houston to support |
|
|
obesity prevention, nutrition education, and improved access to |
|
|
healthy foods; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, According to the annual State of Obesity report, |
|
|
Texas ranks 10th in the nation, with more than 32 percent of |
|
|
residents having a body mass index of 30 or higher, up from 21.7 |
|
|
percent in 2000; obesity-related diseases such as heart disease and |
|
|
arthritis are alarmingly prevalent in the state, and nearly 30 |
|
|
percent of the population suffers from hypertension, while more |
|
|
than 11 percent has been diagnosed with diabetes; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, The foundation and the university are partnering in |
|
|
the Preventing and Treating Obesity in Underserved Communities in |
|
|
Houston initiative, or TOUCH, which is designed to benefit |
|
|
residents of the Third Ward and East End, communities that include a |
|
|
large percentage of African Americans and Hispanics; both |
|
|
populations experience high rates of obesity and related illnesses; |
|
|
and |
|
|
WHEREAS, With the goal of assisting 5,000 residents over the |
|
|
next three years, TOUCH will bring together an integrated network, |
|
|
including UH researchers, community and faith-based organizations, |
|
|
schools, primary care clinics, local businesses, and governmental |
|
|
entities; the program is envisioned as a future model for improving |
|
|
and maintaining healthy lifestyle practices across Houston and |
|
|
beyond; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, This generous partnership grant represents a |
|
|
significant investment in the health and well-being of Houston |
|
|
residents and in the vitality of that community; now, therefore, be |
|
|
it |
|
|
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas |
|
|
Legislature hereby honor the United Health Foundation for its TOUCH |
|
|
partnership grant to the University of Houston and extend to all |
|
|
those involved in the initiative sincere best wishes for the |
|
|
future; and, be it further |
|
|
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
|
|
prepared for the foundation as an expression of high regard by the |
|
|
Texas House of Representatives. |