NurseWeek

Clinton signs children’s health act

By Keith W. Murrow
Health24News
October 19, 2000


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WASHINGTON (H24N). President Clinton Tuesday signed into law a bill expanding research and health care for children.

The bipartisan Children’s Health Act of 2000 calls on the Department of Health and Human Services to continue providing services to children whose lives have been affected by diseases and conditions like diabetes, asthma, lead poisoning, cancer and autism. In addition the Act authorizes new research efforts to study the environmental, social and economic factors associated with many childhood diseases.

The Act also addresses children’s substance abuse through the authorization of grants for youth drug treatment programs. The new law also includes mental health programs to help prevent teen suicide and help children deal with violence.

"The programs contained in this bill to improve and expand research and services for our children’s physical and mental health, and to prevent substance abuse and violence, are important investments in the well-being of our nation," Clinton said during the signing ceremony.

In addition to help from the federal level, the law provides states with new funds to improve the health and safety of children enrolled in day care and after-school child care services.