COMMENTS ON HUD'S HEALTHY HOMES FOR HEALTHY CHILDREN INITIATIVE

Health and Human Services Secretary Donna E. Shalala: "The best medicine for accidents in the home is not found in an emergency room, but in the prevention messages of the Healthy Homes Initiative. From health care to school violence, the President has shown his commitment to the safety of our children. The Healthy Homes Initiative is another important step in ensuring the well-being of America's families."

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Carol Browner: “Every day, children are exposed to health risks in the course of their day - from pesticides on food or in the backyards, to lead paint in homes or at school. The Clinton Administration's Healthy Homes initiative will help parents make informed decisions about how best to protect their children from these health hazards.”

Congressman Jerry Lewis (CA), Chairman, House Appropriations Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs, HUD and Independent Agencies: "Information is the best tool to prevent accidents in the home. The Healthy Homes Initiative is a partnership that aims to give parents the very tools they need to keep their children safe from injury. Literally millions of families will benefit from these simple, yet useful tips, that can be easily implemented under their own roof."

Dr. Joseph R. Zanga, President, American Academy of Pediatrics: "The American Academy of Pediatrics is proud to join with HUD in this new Healthy Homes for Healthy Children initiative that will help protect children from avoidable injury. We will disseminate information and promote the availability of this information at all our national and regional meetings."

Dr. Nancy Auer, President, American College of Emergency Physicians: "The American College of Emergency Physicians is delighted to be a founding partner in the Healthy Homes for Healthy Children campaign. Emergency physicians treat millions of children each year who are seriously injured in their homes, and we have actively been involved in prevention efforts to eliminate childhood injuries. We are pleased to join in this important effort to promote safe environments for children, and we plan to provide campaign materials to our 53 chapters across the United States and distribute and display the materials at our annual scientific meeting of more than 3,500 emergency physicians."

Dr. Linda B. Ford, President, American Lung Association: "The American Lung Association is proud to be a founding partner of the Healthy Homes initiative. It's an excellent complement to our Indoor Air Quality public outreach program which reaches millions of Americans every years. Healthy Homes gives parents the information they need to protect their children. American families will breathe easier because of the leadership of HUD Secretary Cuomo. We will make the Healthy Homes information available to all of our 225 state and local offices to incorporate into their ongoing education efforts."

Ann Brown, Chairperson, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: "By educating parents, we can help minimize the risks children are exposed to on a daily basis in their own homes. Installing devices such as child safety latches, smoke detectors, and window guards can and will save lives. The Consumer Product Safety Commission is committed to working with HUD to ensure that every child is afforded the chance to live in a healthy and safe environment."

Harvey G. Ryland, President and CEO, Institute for Business and Home Safety: "Of all those at risk when a natural disaster occurs, children are the most vulnerable. IBHS and its members are not only committed to helping protect children at home, we also want to make day care centers serving low-income families across the United States better able to withstand what happens when nature lets loose."

Paul S. Reid, Executive Vice President, Mortgage Bankers Association of America: "When people make what for many is the biggest investment of their lives, they should not have to worry about whether that environment is safe for their families and children. MBA supports this initiative wholeheartedly and pledges the full weight of its 2600 members to getting the word out about the importance of having safe, healthy homes."

Edward O. Fritts, President and CEO, National Association of Broadcasters: "If this announcement saves the life of a child or prevents a serious injury, it could be the most important message the child's parents ever see on television. The National Association of Broadcasters is proud to work in partnership with HUD to give parents this vital information."

Donald Martin, President, National Association of Home Builders: "We are pleased to be partners with HUD to make parents aware of the simple things that will ensure safety in the home and a healthy environment in which to grow."

Dr. Heather Paul, Executive Director, National SAFE KIDS Campaign: "The National SAFE KIDS Campaign and our 250 coalitions around the nation are pleased to be a partner with HUD in the Healthy Homes for Healthy Children initiative. Our coalitions, made up of fire fighters, emergency medical technicians and emergency nurses already have great expertise in home safety and injury prevention. We are working to better inform families on how to keep children safe and free from unintentional injury -- the number one killer of children. We will also assist HUD by ensuring that cities, and towns in urban, suburban and rural America get this most important message."