Senate Resolution 22

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION HONORING AND COMMENDING THE COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION FOR HEALTH AWARENESS, INCORPORATED (COHA, INC.) FOR THEIR CONTINUED CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CITIZENS IN THE CITY OF JACKSON AND THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, the Community Organization for Health Awareness, Incorporated (COHA, Inc.) was established in 1994 to assist Mississippi communities with addressing the astounding statistic related to heart attack, stroke, cancer, teen pregnancy, teen alcohol and drug abuse, as well as other health related matters; and

WHEREAS, COHA, Inc., is governed by its Board of Directors and general body; and

WHEREAS, medical practitioners, social services and other personnel, along with community residents volunteer their talent and resources in a collaborative effort to engage, educate and inform under served communities with regard to the prevention of diseases that plague this population; and

WHEREAS, COHA, Inc., engages in community-wide health education through newsletters and the media. It also collaborates with local agencies to improve its effectiveness in serving the community. Current programs are Heart Attack/Stroke prevention, Cancer prevention, Youth Crime prevention and Teen Pregnancy prevention. In 1999, COHA, Inc., expanded its services by beginning the Mississippi Health Awareness Day, the purpose was to begin community-wide health education. Activities include: Teen Summit, Health Fairs, Health Education Forum, and an Award Banquet; and

WHEREAS, in the year 2000, Mississippi's Governor proclaimed Mississippi Health Awareness Day a statewide activity. Since the COHA, Inc., has received several commendations, including resolutions from Jackson City Council and Hinds County Board of Supervisors; and

WHEREAS, since its inception, COHA, Inc., has had a tremendous impact on the lives of many residents through annual health fairs and numerous other community-based initiatives, all at no cost to recipients; and

WHEREAS, a continued improvement in the overall quality of life for many citizens has been realized through COHA, Incorportated's contributions to humankind:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby honor and commend the Community Organization for Health Awareness Incorporated (COHA, Inc.) for their continued contributions to the citizens in the City of Jackson and the State of Mississippi.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the Board of Directors of COHA, Inc., and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.