11-R043

2011 -- S 0083

Enacted 01/27/11

 

 

S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 7TH THROUGH

FEBRUARY 14TH TO BE

"CONGENITAL HEART DEFECT AWARENESS WEEK" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     

     

     Introduced By: Senators Shibley, Ottiano, Kettle, Hodgson, and Algiere

     Date Introduced: January 27, 2011

 

 

     WHEREAS, The health and well-being of all children throughout our state are of

paramount importance to Rhode Island’s families and communities; and

     WHEREAS, Thousands of children are born with birth defects every year, including

approximately 40,000 children in the United States who begin life with one of more than thirty-

five identified forms of congenital heart defects; and

     WHEREAS, Congenital heart defects are among our state’s most common birth defects

and they are often fatal due to their seriousness, a lack of effective medical intervention options,

and the limited availability of infant donor hearts; and

       WHEREAS, The origins and symptoms of congenital heart defects are becoming more

readily identifiable and the range of surgical options are expanding continuously thanks to

doctors’ and scientists’ diligent research efforts and field experiences that extend our body of

knowledge every day; and

  WHEREAS, There is much to learn about the causes of and effective treatments for

congenital heart defects, and it is important for parents, pediatricians, and nurses to recognize the

warning signs associated with congenital heart defects among newborns so they may provide

proper treatment as early as possible; and

     WHEREAS, Many of Rhode Island’s families and communities are directly or indirectly

affected by infant illness and death caused by congenital heart defects; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby proclaims the week of February 7th – 14th to be “Congenital Heart Defect Awareness

Week” in our state.  We furthermore urge all the citizens of the state to join us in the observance

of this week and to recognize and applaud the efforts of doctors and scientists everywhere who

work diligently to solve life’s medical mysteries and to improve the quality of life for us all; and

be it further  

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the President of the Coventry Town Council

and to Stephanie Rastelli and Family.           

     

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LC00312

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