NHCSL adopted the Epilepsy Patient Prescription Drug Safety resolution to help improve drug safety concerns which affect the more than 2,700,000 people in the United States, and around 80,000 people in Puerto Rico, who suffer from epilepsy. The resolution to Reduce the Dropout Rate support efforts to increase the graduation rate for African Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans students, which is at about 50%. The national graduation rate is 68% to 71%.

The Summer 2007 issue of the Healthy States Quarterly is available and covers

  • How legislators can help keep teens safe

  • How the CDC is helping states fight asthma and improve air quality

  • Strategies for policymakers to help schools address childhood obesity

  • CDC's new strategy for HIV prevention in the African-American community

Visit www.healthystates.csg.org for more information

 

NHCSL Summer Quarterly Strengthening Our Voices highlights Teen Health Disparities, Best Practices for Healthy Borders and visits with Wyoming Representative Ken Esquibel.

The National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) is the preeminent organization representing the interests of 300 Hispanic state legislators from all states, commonwealths, and territories of the United States. Founded in 1989 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)3, NHCSL is a catalyst and advocate for joint action on issues of common concern, such as health, education, immigration, homeownership and economic development to all segments of the Hispanic community. NHCSL also works to design and implement policies and procedures that will impact the quality of life for Hispanic communities; serves as a forum for information exchange and member networking; an institute for leadership training; a liaison with sister U.S. Hispanic organizations; a promoter of public/private partnerships with business and labor; and a partner with Hispanic state and provincial legislators and their associations representing Central and South America.