House Bill 679

(As Sent to Governor)

AN ACT TO DESIGNATE THE THIRD THURSDAY IN JANUARY OF EACH YEAR AS "MISSISSIPPI HEALTH AWARENESS DAY" TO PROMOTE HEALTH AND DISEASE PREVENTION EFFORTS THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

WHEREAS, medical practitioners, social service and other personnel along with community residents volunteer their talent and resources in a collaborative effort to engage, educate and inform underserved communities with regard to the prevention of diseases that plague this population; 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 Mississippi citizens has been realized through the contributions of COHA, Inc., to humankind; and

WHEREAS, it is most appropriate to designate one (1) day of each year to focus on improving the health of all Mississippians through disease prevention efforts: NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. The third Thursday of January of each year is designated as Mississippi Health Awareness Day to promote health and disease prevention efforts throughout the State of Mississippi.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.