MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2019 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Horhn, Barnett, Frazier, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Norwood, Simmons (12th)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF JULY 2019 AS "TAKE YOUR CHILD FOR A MEDICAL CHECKUP MONTH," AND COMMENDING THE WORK OF DR. TIMOTHY QUINN FOR HIS LEADERSHIP AND ADVOCACY IN PROMOTING WELLNESS AND PREVENTIVE HEALTH CARE.
WHEREAS, many young Mississippi children and teens fall ill due to chronic or acute disease that could have been prevented by early diagnosis; and
WHEREAS, Mississippi children are known to be more likely than their peers nationally to suffer from a wide range of debilitating diseases, including obesity, asthma, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, seizures, mental health problems and learning disabilities; and
WHEREAS, yearly medical checkups are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for all school-age children; and
WHEREAS, yearly medical checkups allow medical providers to diagnose possible health problems in children and to treat those health problems in the early and most easily treatable stages of the disease or condition; and
WHEREAS, there is a strong body of research pointing to better outcomes for children suffering from medical, psychological, dental, vision, learning or other developmental problems with early diagnosis and treatment; and
WHEREAS, with early diagnosis and treatment of these problems, Mississippi children will have a better chance to live full, productive lives; and
WHEREAS, Mississippi Physician Dr. Timothy Quinn, the Mississippi State Medical Association, the Mississippi Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians, and Jackson Public Schools have worked together to create the Jackson Public Schools pilot School Health Initiative to encourage school-age children to learn about the importance of yearly medical checkups; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Quinn was the recipient of the 2018 Mississippi State Medical Association (MSMA) "Excellence in Wellness Promotion Award" for his leadership and work in promoting the importance of children getting annual medical checkups. The MSMA Excellence in Wellness Promotion Award recognizes physicians who promote public health and wellness in a unique and effective manner to make a difference in the lives of others. Dr. Quinn spearheaded a pilot project with Callaway High School this year and Murrah High School last year to encourage parents to take their high-schoolers in for preventive checkups. The House of Representatives recognized those efforts in the 2018 Regular Session, and Dr. Quinn will be continuing and expanding those efforts in 2019, and beyond; and
WHEREAS, schools, local communities, state businesses, physicians and state health providers, government assistance programs, and citizens share the burden of an unhealthy population; and
WHEREAS, we urge the health care and education committees to provide positive outcomes for the health and wellness of Mississippi's youth, thereby improving the lives of all Mississippi citizens:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That the month of July 2019 be recognized as "Take Your Child for a Medical Checkup Month," and commend the work of Dr. Timothy Quinn for his leadership and advocacy in promoting wellness and preventive health care.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Dr. Quinn and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.