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, more than a million families across America 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, some not diagnosed until weeks, 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 establishment of Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week will also provide the opportunity to share experiences and information with the public and the media, in order to raise public awareness about Congenital Heart Defects:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of the State of Alabama, do hereby proclaim February 7 through 14, 2015, as

Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week

in the state of Alabama, and encourage all citizens to increase awareness, education and services for congenital heart defects which each year effect thousands of babies in Alabama.