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 Proc. 7338 Title 3--The President We are continuing our research efforts into chronic conditions that affect older Americans, such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and dia- betes, and I am proud that my proposed budget for fiscal 2001 includes a historic $1 billion increase in funding for the National Institutes of Health. And, most important, we remain committed to meeting the health and fi- nancial needs of older Americans by protecting and strengthening Social Security and Medicare and modernizing, improving, and reauthorizing the Older Americans Act. But there is still much to do if we are to sustain the health and quality of life of our increasingly aging population. We must raise awareness of the unique needs of older Americans and ensure that caregivers and health professionals are specially trained to treat the elderly. We must expand our research efforts into chronic conditions that affect older Americans. And we must improve health care financing, delivery, and administrative struc- tures so that health plans and providers have the flexibility they need to reduce the prevalence of chronic diseases, slow the rate of disability pro- gression, and ensure the continuity and quality of care. The health of older Americans varies from individual to individual and can depend on many factors, but we all recognize the critical importance of quality medical care, financial security, and a caring support system to sus- taining a high quality of life. As our Nation's population ages, let us work together to ensure that these essential components of good health are avail- able to every American. NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitu- tion and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 2000 as Health in Aging Month, 2000. I urge government officials, health care pro- viders, business and community leaders, and the American people to work together to promote healthy aging and to ensure that older citizens enioy fulfilling, independent, and productive lives. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of Sep- tember, in the year of our Lord two thousand, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fifth. WILLIAM J. CLINTON Proclamation 7338 of September 14, 2000 National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2000 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation American society today embraces a remarkable breadth of cultures, and Hispanics are an integral part of this diversity. The Hispanic American community is a collage of distinct groups, including people with roots in Central and South America, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Spain. Hispanics have been an important part of the history and heritage of the Americas since the earliest days of European colonization, and today Hispanic Amer- icans are the youngest and fastest-growing minority community in our Na- 136

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