TAKE A LOVED ONE TO THE DOCTOR DAY: SEPTEMBER 16, 2003
WHEREAS, in the United States there exists a serious health gap between racial and ethnic
minority populations and the general public; and
WHEREAS, eliminating health disparities is a top priority of the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services; and
WHEREAS, African Americans, American Indians and Alaska Natives, Asian Americans,
Hispanic Americans, Native Hawaiians, and other Pacific Islanders suffer from serious disparities
in health status and outcomes; and
WHEREAS, heart disease and stroke, cancer, diabetes, infant mortality and Sudden Infant Death
Syndrome, HIV/AIDS and lack of immunizations against disease are major areas in which health
disparities occur; and
WHEREAS, prevention, early detection of disease, and prompt referral to quality health care are
essential steps to reducing these and other health disparities; and
WHEREAS, the Public Health Community knows that all individuals can make a difference not
only in their own health but in the health of others, and that community norms regarding medical
visits and care are important factors influencing the health of a community; and
WHEREAS, the efforts of local communities working together with partners and volunteers to
improve the health status of all Americans have proven to be essential to promoting healthy
behavior; and
WHEREAS, the United States Department of Health and Human Services has engaged in a
national "Closing The Health Gap" campaign, co-founded with ABC Radio Networks, aimed at
encouraging individuals to live healthier lives and to visit a health care professional; and
WHEREAS, the Secretary of Health and Human Services has declared September 16, 2003 as
"Take A Loved One to the Doctor Day" to focus attention on health care for those most in need,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that The U. S. Conference of Mayors supports
September 16, 2003, and the third Tuesday in September in future years, as "Take A Loved One to
the Doctor Day," and encourages mayors to work with the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services and ABC Radio Networks to promote Doctor Day activities in their communities.
©2003 U.S. Conference of Mayors 
