In May 2023, a report titled “Physical Activity: An Untapped Resource to Address
Our Nation’s Mental Health Crisis Among Children and Adolescents”, was jointly
published by the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy and the U.S. Public
Health Service. This report highlights the strong link between the physical and mental
well-being of young people in our country. He states, “Physical activity is a critical but
often overlooked tool to support both the physical and mental health of children and
adolescents aged 6-17 years”(Murthy 1). Collaborations between public health experts
and organizations that directly engage with youth, such as schools, community centers,
and churches are proven to be one of the most effective ways to enhance young
people's opportunities for meaningful physical activity. Many of these partnerships aim
to create a higher level of accessibility to physical exercise, during and outside school
hours.