PEDIATRICS Vol. 28 No. 4 October 1961, pp. 672-673
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

GOVERNMENT AND CHILD HEALTH

G. M. W.

ALTHOUGH at the moment the health of older people holds the politico-medical spotlight, there are indications that the health of children may soon be in this limelight. In fact, President Kennedy and the new administration have already taken several important actions to center more attention on the health and welfare of children. In the months ahead the Academy may, I expect, face its greatest opportunity yet to fulfill its purpose as an organization dedicated to the welfare of children.

At the Executive Board meeting on April 7, 1961, the Board, in a prepared statement, approved the proposed National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and offered the co-operation of the Academy in developing a program of basic research in child health. On July 18, Senators Hill and Kerr introduced into the Senate bill S.2269, which provides for the development of this new research Institute. Copies of the Board's resolution were sent to the Senators, together with the offer to appear before the appropriate Congressional Committee, in support of the bill. We believe this proposed Institute should emphasize the concepts of "the whole child" and "prevention" in research programs. We have also urged that research conducted through the presently constituted National Institutes of Health have the benefit of planning and participation by staff trained or oriented in pediatrics. These are matters that for some time have had the attention of your Executive Board.

Your officers have also been co-operating with the White House in connection with the President's Physical Fitness Program.