2009 Senate Joint Resolution 56
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: proclaiming February 7 to 14, 2010, as Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week.
Whereas, congenital heart defects are the most frequently occurring birth defect and the leading cause of birth defect related deaths worldwide; and
Whereas, over a million families across America are facing the challenges and hardships of raising children with congenital heart defects; and
Whereas, every year approximately 40,000 babies are born in the United States with congenital heart defects; and
Whereas, some congenital heart defects are not diagnosed until months or years after birth; and
Whereas, undiagnosed congenital heart conditions cause many cases of sudden cardiac death in young athletes; and
Whereas, despite these statistics, newborns and young athletes are not routinely screened for congenital heart defects; and
Whereas, Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week provides an opportunity for families whose lives have been affected to celebrate life and to remember loved ones lost, to honor dedicated health professionals, and to meet others and know they are not alone; and
Whereas, the American Heart Association and Mended Little Hearts believe the establishment of Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week will also provide the opportunity to share experience and information with the public and the media, in order to raise public awareness about congenital heart defects; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the
senate, the assembly concurring, That the Wisconsin legislature proclaims February 7 to 14, 2010, to be Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week and encourages all citizens to increase awareness, education, and services for congenital heart defects, which each year affect thousands of babies in Wisconsin.
