Americans are eating safer and healthier foods as a result of improved inspection systems and clearer labeling on food products. The health of pregnant women and newborns has improved due to personal behavior changes and the broad implementation of new prenatal care programs. Fluoridation of drinking water has reduced rates of tooth decay and gingivitis. Heightened awareness of tobacco's negative effects on health has resulted in fewer individuals taking up the habit and more people giving it up. We feel certain you will agree that these trend data are quite impressive.
Every day brings additional news of public health successes at the state and local level.
I am delighted to share only a few examples with the subcommittee. Based on these data, the Florida legislature can be very proud of its wise decision to invest in this effective prevention program. In less than five years, Alabama has jumped to the front of the nation in childhood immunization rates. The national goal is 90 percent and the national average is 78 percent. As recently as 1994, Alabama's immunization rates were barely at average.