School Board Supports Establishment of California Wellness Trust
To Prevent Leading Causes of Illness, Injury and Premature Death
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Unified Board of Education today endorsed the establishment of a new fund to invest in keeping Californians healthy.
The “Building Healthier Communities and Lives for Californians through Investment and Community-Based Prevention” resolution models this initiative after other state health prevention, improvement and wellness trusts, which are financed by a tobacco settlement, taxes on health care providers and insurers, or a one-time assessment on acute care facilities and commercial insurers. Also under consideration is a tax on sugary beverages.
Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III sponsored the resolution. He explained, “Prevention and early intervention cost much less than the treatment of chronic diseases or the consequences of accidents easily avoided. Saving lives is even more important than saving money.”
Co-sponsor Board Member Scott M. Schmerelson said, “As a former teacher and administrator, I know only too well that student wellness is critically important for student achievement. It is also true that access to healthcare is very limited for many of our Los Angeles Unified students and families. Establishing a state wellness trust would be a wise investment in our children’s future and a cost-effective strategy to address the health challenges in many of our Los Angeles communities.”
Co-sponsor Board Member Kelly Gonez commented, “Healthier communities are more vibrant and successful. This trust will help our students and families from traditionally underserved backgrounds lead healthier lives, which will in turn make our schools and communities stronger and more resilient.”
This school board has long been committed to improving the health of students. A 1991 Los Angeles Unified resolution led to the creation of the nonprofit Los Angeles Trust for Children’s Health to address significant health challenges faced by many youngsters.
Board President Mónica García, said, “I am proud of the comprehensive approach that Los Angeles Unified has taken to teach the whole child. It’s undeniable that student health impacts student success. We are recommitting to elevating the wellness of our community so that all students can get to graduation and beyond.”
Board Vice President Nick Melvoin said, “When 84 percent of Los Angeles Unified students are living in poverty, our schools are often the conduits of vital services. This initiative would help us continue to serve our students three meals a day, offer care at our health clinics and wellness centers and provide countless other support services that our students might not otherwise receive.”
Board Member Dr. Richard Vladovic said, “There is no excuse – in lives lost or in dollars spent – for California to have a blight of premature deaths due to easily preventable diseases brought on by poor diet and lack of exercise. Much like our efforts spent on building safe schools and safe communities, we need to make investments in helping Californians of all ages live healthier lives; the money spent on easily preventable conditions could be used to reinvest in our education systems and help us lift all people, especially those who can’t afford top quality healthcare.”
The initiative would target the root causes of the six leading chronic diseases: diabetes, heart disease, cancer, arthritis, stroke and high blood pressure. Progress would allow more Californians to live longer, while also cutting health costs for families, employers, local and state government and health care systems.
In addition, the investment would broaden access to healthy foods and encourage the spread of highly walkable, safe communities with plenty of green space.
“Healthy children come to school ready to learn,” Superintendent Austin Beutner said. “This trust would provide funds to address the epidemic of childhood obesity and diabetes.”