Official Position Statement
The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc.
(adopted 2007)

Whereas, tooth decay is one of the most common chronic childhood diseases and oral problems can impact self esteem and cause pain and unnecessary suffering leading to problems eating, speaking, and attending to learning;

Whereas, 10-12% of NC children experience serious emotional disturbances and suicide was the third leading cause of death for ages 15-24 in Charlotte in 2002, and

Whereas, recent studies indicate childhood obesity to be an epidemic with the number of overweight children doubling in the last 20 years and overweight children /adolescents are most likely to experience other health issues such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, orthopedic problems, liver disease, and asthma;

Be it resolved, that the Junior League of Charlotte will implement the Healthy Child Initiative, known as HCI, concentrating on the physical, mental, and dental health needs of children aged 0-17 and their families until 2011.

www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/mentalhealth