House Concurrent Resolution 54

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE OBSERVANCE OF FEBRUARY 7-14, 2006, AS CONGENITAL HEART DEFECTS AWARENESS WEEK IN MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, congenital heart defects are the most frequently occurring birth defects 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, approximately one in 125 children are born in the United States with congenital heart defects; and

WHEREAS, every year 40,000 babies are born in this country 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, 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 to know they are not alone; and

WHEREAS, the establishment of Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week will provide the opportunity to share experiences and information with the public and the media, in order to raise public awareness regarding congenital heart defects:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we recognize February 7-14, 2006, as Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week in Mississippi.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to members of the Capitol Press Corps.