PRINTER'S NO. 252
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
54
Session of
2015
INTRODUCED BY BOBACK, KIM, WHEELAND, THOMAS, MILLARD, V. BROWN,
DiGIROLAMO, LONGIETTI, DUSH, SONNEY, FLYNN, SCHLOSSBERG,
SCHWEYER, C. PARKER, COHEN, VEREB, MACKENZIE, A. HARRIS,
KAUFFMAN, BARRAR, FARINA, BROWNLEE, SNYDER, MATZIE, BAKER,
KILLION, DONATUCCI, D. COSTA, PICKETT, KINSEY, McCARTER,
CALTAGIRONE, GRELL, HARHART, ROSS, READSHAW, KORTZ, MAHONEY,
MAJOR, PEIFER, GOODMAN AND WATSON, FEBRUARY 2, 2015
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
FEBRUARY 2, 2015
A RESOLUTION
Designating February 7 through 14, 2015, as "Congenital Heart
Defect Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Congenital heart defects are the most frequently
occurring birth defect and the leading cause of birth defect-
related deaths worldwide; and
WHEREAS, More than one million families across this nation
are facing the challenges and hardships of raising children with
congenital heart defects; and
WHEREAS, Every year 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
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athletes are not routinely screened for congenital heart
defects; and
WHEREAS, A disproportionately small amount of funding is
available for congenital heart defect research and support; 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, 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; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate
February 7 through 14, 2015, as "Congenital Heart Defect
Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives encourage all
residents to increase awareness, education and services for
congenital heart defects each year which affect thousands of
babies in Pennsylvania.
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