WASHINGTON , May 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Second Gentleman will speak at an event to raise awareness about mental and physical health issues plaguing young people on Tuesday, May 28. The Second Gentleman will praise the Biden-Harris Administration's efforts to address the nation's mental health crisis.
Following the Vice President's remarks, members of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the President's Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition (Council) will discuss the challenges and opportunities to improve Americans' mental health and well-being through physical activity. Distinguished panelists include HHS Assistant Secretary for Health, Council Co-Chair, two-time WNBA MVP and Olympic Gold Medalist Elena Delle Donne, and Council Member Dr. Felunmi Okanlami of the University of Michigan.
The council works to address the nation's physical and mental health challenges, including obesity, access to healthy food, depression, bullying and appearance stigma. Throughout May, which is National Physical Fitness and Sport Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, and throughout the year, the council aims to promote healthy eating and activity for all people, whatever their background or ability.
After President Dwight D. Eisenhower discovered that American children were not as physically fit as their European counterparts, he created the President's Council on Youth Fitness on July 16, 1956. Every president has promoted this initiative through the Council. Council members have included tennis legend Billie Jean King, bodybuilder, Hollywood star, and future Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger, as well as Olympians, doctors, athletes, and chefs, including current co-chair chef José Andrés.
President Joe Biden issued Executive Order 14109, renewing the Council through September 30, 2025. The Executive Order allows for the continued advancement of the National Youth Sports Strategy and provides for a focus in the Council’s work on expanding national awareness of the importance of mental health linked to physical fitness and nutrition.
The Headliners Coffee and Conversation event will be held in the Holman Lounge and is open to media, National Press Club members and the public. Coffee will be available to attendees beginning at 1:30 p.m. Tickets can be reserved at press.org/events/npc-headliners-presidents-council-sports-fitness-nutrition-and-assistant-secretary-health.
This headliner event will feature a Q&A session. To submit your question in advance, simply type “FITNESS” in the subject line: [email protected]The deadline for pre-submission is 10am on the day of the event.
The National Press Club is located on the 13th floor of the National Press Building at 529 14th St., NW in Washington, DC.
Media Contact: Cecily Scott Martin, National Press Club;[email protected]; (202) 662-7525
Source: National Press Club
