[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 497 Introduced in House (IH)]






108th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. CON. RES. 497

      Supporting the designation, during spring 2005, of National 
Horticultural Therapy Week in order to improve the quality of life for 
   all and increase opportunities for each individual to positively 
                    connect with the natural world.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                           September 23, 2004

    Mr. Price of North Carolina submitted the following concurrent 
  resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Government Reform

_______________________________________________________________________

                         CONCURRENT RESOLUTION


 
      Supporting the designation, during spring 2005, of National 
Horticultural Therapy Week in order to improve the quality of life for 
   all and increase opportunities for each individual to positively 
                    connect with the natural world.

Whereas horticultural therapy is the time-proven practice of using the 
        therapeutic benefits of working in a peaceful garden environment and 
        raising plants to improve the quality of life and to speed 
        rehabilitation;
Whereas horticultural therapy is practiced through vocational, therapeutic, and 
        social programs, and successfully enables and empowers individuals to 
        achieve their maximum independence in settings such as hospitals, 
        correctional facilities, public schools, senior centers, and community 
        gardens;
Whereas horticultural therapy gained prominence in the United States in 
        rehabilitating wounded World War II veterans through the assistance of 
        volunteers and trained professionals, and continues today in veterans' 
        hospitals across the country;
Whereas horticultural therapy brings dignity and enhanced skills by allowing 
        individuals to grow and function to the best of their abilities, and 
        helps individuals such as those recovering from illness or injury, the 
        elderly, socially disadvantaged individuals, and individuals with 
        disabilities;
Whereas awareness and growth of the profession of horticultural therapy is being 
        realized through increased education opportunities, beginning with the 
        first Master of Science degree in horticultural therapy, awarded by 
        Michigan State University in 1955, and continuing across the country in 
        universities, colleges, community colleges, and through horticultural 
        therapy certificate programs;
Whereas the American Horticultural Therapy Association provides opportunities 
        for horticultural therapy professionals to share research, professional 
        standards, and best practices, as well as for the public to obtain 
        information and resources;
Whereas horticultural therapy was practiced by Dr. Benjamin Rush, a signer of 
        the Declaration of Independence;
Whereas horticultural therapy is beneficial for people of all ages and all walks 
        of life, providing benefits directly through formal programs with 
        trained horticultural therapy professionals, and providing benefits 
        indirectly through encouraging the designation of National Forest System 
        lands and the creation of public gardens and community gardens, and 
        through encouraging the enjoyment of even the smallest backyard garden; 
        and
Whereas the designation of a National Horticultural Therapy Week would assist in 
        increasing awareness of horticultural therapy and related matters: Now, 
        therefore, be it
    Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), 
That the Congress--
            (1) supports the designation, during spring 2005, of 
        National Horticultural Therapy Week in order to improve the 
        quality of life for all and increase opportunities for each 
        individual to positively connect with the natural world; and
            (2) urges Federal and State governmental entities and the 
        people of the United States to observe such Week with 
        appropriate ceremonies and activities.
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