Child Health Day

Child Health Day

First celebrated in 1929, Child Health Day was enacted by Congress. It is a day to raise awareness about the fundamental necessity for programs to protect and develop the health of children in the United States. Child Health Day raises people’s awareness of how they can protect children’s health. This event is celebrated annually on the first Monday of October.

In recognition of #ChildHealthDay, charities support children facing life-threatening diseases. They also provide preventative healthcare to underserved youth. This ensures children have access to nutritious food, and more. These nonprofits are dedicated to providing a range of programs that address children’s health.

There are many color ribbons that you can select to wear on Child Health Day. For example, green for mental health, yellow for obesity, orange for hunger and nutrition. Select a ribbon that makes sense to you and your Child Health Day awareness observation.

What Do People Do on Child Health Day?

As part of the annual presidential proclamation for the day, all agencies and organizations interested in child welfare are invited to unite. On Child Health Day, they work to increase people’s awareness of the need for a year-round program to protect and develop children’s health in the United States.

Health professionals and health organizations across the United States take part in this day through various activities and events. For example, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) takes an active role in providing educational resources. They resources are for parents, children and schools. They pertain to issues such as healthy choices, fitness, and child obesity prevention. The HRSA also calls for every surgeon general across the nation to make a pledge towards providing a healthy future for children.

The Maternal and Child Health Library also actively participates in this awareness day. They participate through activities that focus on healthy eating. They also focus on physical activity for children and their parents or parental figures. The library provides information on nutrition for children and adolescents. And they stress the importance of physical activity, and nutrition for pregnant women.

Background

Calvin Coolidge was the first president to issue a proclamation for Child Health Day in 1928. It was annually observed on May 1 until it was observed on the first Monday of October from 1960 onwards. The concept of this event was supported by multiple organizations. These organizations include the American Child Health Association, the American Federation of Labor and the General Federation of Women’s Clubs in the early 20th century.

According to the HRSA, about one in six children between 2 and 19 in the United States is overweight. This is a risk factor for serious health consequences. This includes asthma, diabetes and heart disease. This awareness day helps spark or increase people’s awareness of ways to minimize or alleviate health problems that children may face. The day focuses on a range of child health issues such as prenatal care, adolescent health, the impact of daycare on a child’s development, preventing injuries, healthy eating and lifestyle choices, and immunization.

Symbols

Images of health and active children are used in promotional materials such as posters, stickers and information kits.

Disclaimer: There may be other websites informing that Child Health Day in the United States was called to be designated for the first Monday of October since the late 1928. However, newspaper archives and other historical information show that the date was in fact observed on May 1 until 1960.