A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR THE CHILD HEALTH ASSESSMENT AND MONITORING PROGRAM, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE STUDY COMMITTEE FOR CHILDHOOD OVERWEIGHT/OBESITY OF THE HEALTH AND WELLNESS TRUST FUND.
Whereas, The Child Health Assessment and Monitoring Program (CHAMP) survey was implemented in January 2005 and is the first survey of its kind in North Carolina to measure the health characteristics of children ages 0 to 17; and
Whereas, CHAMP is a comprehensive child health survey with questions pertaining to a wide variety of health‑related topics; and
Whereas, CHAMP fills a health information gap in North Carolina as there is currently no representative child health data available, particularly for children ages 10‑12; and
Whereas, by collecting data for young children, CHAMP will contribute to a seamless health data system for all North Carolina citizens from birth to old age; and
Whereas, CHAMP is one of the largest state‑based child health surveys in the nation, second only to the California Health Interview Survey; and
Whereas, CHAMP provides child health estimates for minority populations; and
Whereas, CHAMP is highly cost‑effective, using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) to screen households with children; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, the sum of one hundred eighty‑five thousand dollars ($185,000) for the 2005‑2006 fiscal year and the sum of one hundred eighty‑five thousand dollars ($185,000) for the 2006‑2007 fiscal year.  These funds shall be allocated for the Child Health Assessment and Monitoring Program (CHAMP) to analyze and understand the prevalence of childhood obesity and other significant issues related to chronic disease in North Carolina.
SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2005.