[Congressional Bills 103th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S.J. Res. 20 Referred in House (RFH)]

103d CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. J. RES. 20


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                            October 7, 1994

       Referred to the Committee on Post Office and Civil Service

_______________________________________________________________________

                            JOINT RESOLUTION


 
To designate February 7, 1993, through February 13, 1993, and February 
   6, 1994, through February 12, 1994, as ``National Burn Awareness 
                                Week''.

Whereas the problem of burn injuries and death in the United States is one of 
        the worst of any industrialized nation in the world;
Whereas burn injuries are one of the leading causes of accidental death in the 
        United States;
Whereas every year over 2,000,000 people in the United States are victims of 
        some form of burn injury, and children account for between one-third and 
        one-half of this total;
Whereas of the number of people injured by burns, over 70,000 are hospitalized, 
        resulting in 9,000,000 disability days and $100,000,000 in costs 
        annually;
Whereas over 6,000 people die from burn injuries annually, and the 
        rehabilitative and psychological impact of burns is devastating;
Whereas young children are in the highest risk group suffering from hot liquid 
        burns and injuries caused by child fire play and fire setting;
Whereas older adults and the disabled are also at great risk and extremely 
        susceptible to burn injuries;
Whereas burn survivors often face years of costly reconstructive surgery and 
        extensive physical and psychological rehabilitation in overcoming 
        disabilities and fears of rejection by family members, friends, 
        coworkers, schoolmates, and the general public;
Whereas it is estimated that approximately 75 percent of all burn injuries and 
        deaths could be prevented by a comprehensive national educational and 
        awareness campaign and by changes in the design and technology of homes 
        and consumer products;
Whereas general public awareness of the need for smoke detectors and home fire 
        escape plans, in combination with an understanding of the risk 
        associated with items in the home environment, can cause a reduction of 
        injuries and loss of life; and
Whereas there is a need for an effective national program that deals with all 
        aspects of burn injuries and burn prevention: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled, That the weeks of February 7, 
1993, through February 13, 1993, and February 6, 1994, through February 
12, 1994, are designated as ``National Burn Awareness Week'', and the 
President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling 
upon the people of the United States and all Federal, State, and local 
government officials to observe those weeks with appropriate programs 
and activities.

            Passed the Senate February 4 (legislative day, January 5), 
      1993.

            Attest:

                                                MARTHA S. POPE,

                                                             Secretary.