HR0734 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0734 LRB094 15126 RAS 50298 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, United States Department of Health and Human Services Secretary, Michael Leavitt, announced that Provena St. Mary's Hospital (PSMH) is one of ten nationwide winners of the Third Annual Innovation in Prevention Awards for its Wellness Center for Special Needs Fitness Program (Wellness Center), which is dedicated to providing fitness and general inclusion activities for the mentally and physically challenged; and

WHEREAS, The Innovation in Prevention Awards were created as part of President Bush's HealthierUS Initiative and the United States Department of Health and Human Services' continuing focus on preventing chronic disease and improving the lives of Americans; and

WHEREAS, The awards highlight businesses and organizations that are leading efforts to promote healthier lifestyles in seven different areas; the PSMH Wellness Center was honored in the faith-based and community-based initiatives category; and

WHEREAS, Based in Kankakee, PSMH's Wellness Center works to provide physical activity for individuals with special needs to reduce their risk of heart disease, diabetes, and falls, as well as their dependence on others; participants meet with an instructor in groups of six to fifteen twice a week for forty-five minutes of fitness instruction, including cardiovascular exercise and strength training; workouts in the program are kept as structured as possible in order to chart individual development and ensure full body involvement; and

WHEREAS, According to Secretary Leavitt, "Provena St. Mary's Wellness Center Special Needs Fitness Program addresses the important need to provide physical activities for individuals with special needs, a population that is often underserved"; Secretary Leavitt also found the Wellness Center to be an example of how persons with mental and physical disabilities can be encouraged to lead healthy lives; and

WHEREAS, The Wellness Center is part of PSMH's mission to compassionately respond to human need by providing fitness opportunities and community inclusion to those otherwise not served; PSMH has maintained the Wellness Center for the past five years and has helped enrich the lives of its participants and PSMH's members and staff; PSMH members and staff hope that the success of the Wellness Center continues to grow so that its benefits can be offered to more individuals who need additional health activities in their life; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Provena St. Mary's Hospital on winning an Innovation in Prevention Award for its Wellness Center for Special Needs Fitness Program; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Provena St. Mary's Hospital as an expression of our respect and esteem.