Mississippi legislators recently passed HB1530 (click here to view the PDF), “AN ACT TO ESTABLISH A PROGRAM DESIGNED TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM OF THE HIGH RATE OF OBESITY IN MISSISSIPPI, BY PROVIDING FOR THE TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF OBESITY AND RELATED CONDITIONS THROUGH VARIOUS METHODS, INCLUDING THE USE OF BARIATRIC SURGERY AS A TREATMENT OPTION” among Mississippi state and school Board employees.
The OAC is urging all members and supporters of the OAC who reside in Mississippi to e-mail Governor Barbour urging him to sign this legislation into law. Time is of the essence as Governor Barbour may make his decision as early as March 20. To view the OAC’s letter to Governor Barbour, please click here to view the PDF. Governor Barbour’s office can be reached via e-mail at governor@governor.state.ms.us.
In writing Governor Barbour we urge all members:
- To point out that Mississippi leads the nation in obesity rates and as such, the need for both prevention and treatment are essential.
- To remind the Governor that the treatment of obesity is the prevention of many expensive obesity-related illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and others and as such, will likely result in a significant cost-savings for the state in the long-run.
- To share with the Governor that by making HB1530 law, he likely will encourage other Mississippi insurers and employers to adopt similar policies having an even greater impact on the health and wellness of the citizens of Mississippi.
For some general do’s and don’ts when corresponding with elected officials, please click here.
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