Reps. Payne, Jr., Mullin Introduce Resolution to Recognize Health and Wellness Coaches

Washington, D.C. – As co-chairs of the Congressional Men’s Health Caucus, Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) and Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-2) introduced a House resolution expressing support for health and wellness coaches and National Health and Wellness Coach Recognition Week.

“Health and wellness coaches fill a gap in our nation’s health care system, providing individuals with direct, sustained support they need to make and maintain smart lifestyle choices and take an active approach to their health,” said Congressman Payne, Jr. “Now more than ever, we need to recognize the contributions of health and wellness coaches and lend them support as they continue to inspire positive behavior changes that will dramatically lower our nation’s health care costs.”

“Living a healthy and active lifestyle improves health outcomes and helps patients avoid chronic conditions,” said Congressman Mullin, a second-term lawmaker who serves on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. “Health and wellness coaches understand the value of a balanced diet and regular exercise, which is why I’m honored to help promote their profession as we continue to look for ways to progress health outcomes and lower medical bills.”

The United States faces a health crisis due in large part to the prevalence of costly chronic conditions which are largely caused by poor lifestyle choices. Attempts to reduce these lifestyle-related chronic diseases and costs have proven to be financially unsustainable within a system that rewards hospitalizations and invasive procedures. Thankfully, evidence and data now show that Health and Wellness Coaches can improve an individual’s health, which positions this emergent profession as a promising intervention and critical support player in the health care landscape. Health and Wellness Coaches work with individuals to shift them from passive recipients of expensive health care interventions, to adopting a responsible, self-directed, proactive approach that facilitates lasting positive change.

Next year, National Health and Wellness Coach Recognition Week will be celebrated January 11, 2016 through January 17, 2016. National Health and Wellness Coach Recognition Week was first celebrated in January 2015.

A PDF version of the resolution can be found here.