FIRST REGULAR SESSION
House Concurrent Resolution No. 17
93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
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 America are facing the challenges and hardships of raising children with congenital heart defects; and
Whereas, each year 40,000 babies are born with congenital heart defects in the United States; 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 conditions, newborns and young athletes are not routinely screened for congenital heart defects; and
Whereas, Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day 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 establishment of Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day 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 that the members of the House of Representatives of the Ninety-third General Assembly, First Regular Session, the Senate concurring therein, hereby recognize February 14, 2005, as Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day in Missouri.