"America's Children in Peril: Solving the obesity and mental health epidemics" was an expert forum hosted by Arizona State University at the National Press Club Jan. 20, 2011. The discussion built on the idea that the foundation for a healthy adulthood is a healthy childhood. Despite our prosperity, growing numbers of American children are plagued with two chronic and intractable health challenges: obesity and compromised mental health. Nearly one third of children in the U.S. are overweight and more than half of this group is obese.
The United States Congress has passed a health reform bill that will reduce the number of uninsured people in our country. Now we need to improve both the efficiency and the effectiveness of healthcare so that the population can afford it and that it produces good patient outcomes. Across the United States there is huge variability in both the quality and cost of healthcare. How can we move the whole country toward the results achieved by America's most efficient and effective medical centers?
Experts debated current medical malpractice reform legislation, legal and medical matters, and the likely impact of the reforms. They also responded to questions and comments from the audience.
Featuring Paul Barringer, General Counsel, Common Good; Stephan Landsman, Professor, Depaul University; David Lyle, Deputy Director, American Constitution Society for Law and Policy; Michael Saks, Professor, Arizona State University, College of Law.