Whereas in the United States, there are approximately
2,000,000 people living with limb loss;
Whereas it is estimated that 1 out of every 200 people in
the United States has had an amputation;
Whereas there are 1,000 babies born each year with
congenital limb loss;
Whereas there are more than 185,000 new amputations
performed each year in the United States;
Whereas unless drastic preventative measures are
undertaken to reduce the incidents of diabetic and vascular related diseases
this number will increase;
Whereas it is vital to have access to preventative care
for diabetes and peripheral vascular disease (PVD), to have weight management
as part of all care plans, and to have safety information to prevent traumatic
limb loss readily available;
Whereas the Amputee Coalition of America provides
education, outreach, advocacy, and a National Limb Loss Information Center for
the benefit of persons with limb loss, their families, and health care
providers; and
Whereas April would be an appropriate month to designate
as National Limb Loss Awareness Month: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of
Representatives—
(1)supports the designation of National Limb
Loss Awareness Month;
(2)encourages State
legislatures and assemblies to issue proclamations designating National Limb
Loss Awareness Month;
(3)commends the
efforts of the Amputee Coalition of America and other entities and the people
of the United States who support the goals and ideals of National Limb Loss
Awareness Month;
(4)recognizes and
reaffirms the Nation's commitment to advancing health policies aimed at
preventing limb loss, promoting awareness about the causes of limb loss
including limb deficiencies, and expanding access to devices, care, and
rehabilitation aimed at allowing people with limb loss to lead independent,
productive lives; and
(5)recognizes all
people in the United States living with limb loss, expresses gratitude to their
family members and friends who are a source of love and encouragement to them,
and salutes the health care professionals and medical researchers who provide
assistance to those so afflicted and continue to work to prevent limb loss and
improve follow-up care and rehabilitation outcomes.