Gov. Olene Walker today announced the Transition to Adult Living Program, another key element in the Walker Work Plan under the priority: Maximizing Human Potential.

"Becoming an adult can be trying for anyone. But children aging out of foster care face unique challenges. Many don’t succeed because they don’t have the typical support systems as they prepare for adult life," Walker said. "These young people are in situations where they may not return home, may not want to be adopted and need help planning their personal futures."

Walker’s program will provide young people assistance in transitioning from foster care to adult living through a public/private network of support in order to promote their success. Assistance includes assessment, mentoring, self-esteem building, personal future planning, caregiver and family networking, education and training in basic life-skills.

The program will also help young adults find housing, employment, on-the-job training, crisis support and medical and mental health care.

National studies on youth aging out of foster care indicate:

• 60 percent of females had given birth
• 90 percent have no health-care coverage
• Are more likely to be homeless
• Have lower math and reading skills and only half complete high school
• Are more likely to be involved in the criminal justice system with about 19 percent incarcerated.

12:41:10 PM    

Working for a healthier America, the United Health Foundation, together with the American Public Health Association (APHA) and the Partnership for Prevention, today released America's Health: State Health Rankings 2003 Edition at the APHA's Annual Meeting in San Francisco.

In this year's rankings, Minnesota and New Hampshire are tied as the healthiest states in the country, followed by Utah, Vermont and Massachusetts. Tennessee, Arkansas, South Carolina, Louisiana and Mississippi round out the list as the least healthy states.

"We hope this report mobilizes everyone - individuals, employers, community leaders and public officials - to play an increased role in promoting their own health and protecting the health of their communities. Most of us have multiple opportunities to choose to live healthier lives, help to create healthier work environments, and participate at some level in policy decisions that can lead to healthier communities," stated Dr. William McGuire, chairman of the United Health Foundation board. "It is our hope that this report stimulates people to take advantage of those opportunities and get involved."

In a letter included in the report, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson urged Americans to make improving the nation's health a number one priority and stated that the time is now for us to work together to build a healthier and stronger United States.

For more information, see health.utah.gov

9:16:57 AM