85R18889 BPG-D
By: Coleman H.R. No. 1164
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The United Health Foundation has awarded a $2
million partnership grant to the University of Houston to support
obesity prevention, nutrition education, and improved access to
healthy foods; and
WHEREAS, According to the annual State of Obesity report,
Texas ranks 10th in the nation, with more than 32 percent of
residents having a body mass index of 30 or higher, up from 21.7
percent in 2000; obesity-related diseases such as heart disease and
arthritis are alarmingly prevalent in the state, and nearly 30
percent of the population suffers from hypertension, while more
than 11 percent has been diagnosed with diabetes; and
WHEREAS, The foundation and the university are partnering in
the Preventing and Treating Obesity in Underserved Communities in
Houston initiative, or TOUCH, which is designed to benefit
residents of the Third Ward and East End, communities that include a
large percentage of African Americans and Hispanics; both
populations experience high rates of obesity and related illnesses;
and
WHEREAS, With the goal of assisting 5,000 residents over the
next three years, TOUCH will bring together an integrated network,
including UH researchers, community and faith-based organizations,
schools, primary care clinics, local businesses, and governmental
entities; the program is envisioned as a future model for improving
and maintaining healthy lifestyle practices across Houston and
beyond; and
WHEREAS, This generous partnership grant represents a
significant investment in the health and well-being of Houston
residents and in the vitality of that community; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby honor the United Health Foundation for its TOUCH
partnership grant to the University of Houston and extend to all
those involved in the initiative sincere best wishes for the
future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the foundation as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.