SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 529

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the United Health Foundation and the University of Houston, who are joining together in a partnership with the goal of reducing obesity and improving access to healthy foods in Houston; and

WHEREAS, Research has shown that Texas ranks 10th in the nation in obesity, with nearly a third of its population having a body mass index of 30 or higher; more than 11 percent of Texans suffer from diabetes, and rates of heart disease, arthritis, hypertension, and obesity-related cancers are expected to rise dramatically in coming years; and

WHEREAS, The partnership between the United Health Foundation and the University of Houston will begin with a $2 million grant from the foundation that will support obesity prevention and nutrition education programs; this grant will target underserved communities in Houston's Third Ward and East End neighborhoods, which are home to some of the city's largest African American and Hispanic populations; and

WHEREAS, The partnership is entitled TOUCH, which stands for Preventing and Treating Obesity in Underserved Communities in Houston; it will bring together an integrated network of partners and resources who will work to create a model for healthy living practices that can be sustained and reproduced; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas hereby commend the United Health Foundation and the University of Houston on their commitment to improved health outcomes and extend to them best wishes for success in this important partnership; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in honor of this important undertaking.

Miles

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 29, 2017.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate