[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 85 (Thursday, June 29, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S6145]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SENATE RESOLUTION 330--DESIGNATING THE WEEK BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 24, 
              2000, AS ``NATIONAL AMPUTEE AWARENESS WEEK''

  Mr. INHOFE submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
the Committee on the Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 330

       Whereas current research indicates that more than 1.5 
     million Americans, of all ages and of both genders, have had 
     amputations;
       Whereas every year 156,000 individuals in the United States 
     lose a limb;
       Whereas each month 13,000 individuals lose a limb;
       Whereas each week 2,996 individuals lose a limb;
       Whereas each day 428 individuals lose a limb;
       Whereas becoming an amputee is a lifetime condition, not 
     just a temporary circumstance;
       Whereas prosthetic care can range in cost from $8,000 to 
     more than $70,000 depending on the level of care and function 
     of the patient;
       Whereas most insurance policies cover prosthetics with the 
     stipulation of one prosthesis per patient for life;
       Whereas the average prosthesis lasts between three and five 
     years;
       Whereas the general public is unaware of the plight of the 
     amputee community;
       Whereas an increased awareness to the issues faced by the 
     amputee community will also bring about increased awareness 
     for further research; and
       Whereas establishing ``National Amputee Awareness Week'' 
     will bring the cause of amputee awareness to the national 
     front: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) proclaims the week of September 24, through September 
     30, 2000, as ``National Amputee Awareness Week''; and
       (2) requests that the President issue a proclamation 
     calling upon the people of the United States, interested 
     groups, and affected persons to promote the awareness of the 
     amputee community, and to observe the week with appropriate 
     ceremonies and activities.

  Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I am pleased to come to the Senate floor 
today to introduce a resolution to declare the week of September 24-30 
``National Amputee Awareness Week.'' When passed, this resolution will 
designate a specific time around which the Nation's amputee community 
can rally. Too often, we lose sight of many of those who are right in 
front of our very eyes. By dedicating this week to their cause, we will 
make certain that we no longer forget both the accomplishments and 
problems of the large and diverse amputee community.
  The loss of limb can strike anyone, at any time. Each year 156,000 
people lose a limb. This equates to 13,000 amputations per month, 2,996 
amputations per week, 428 amputations per day and 18 amputations per 
hour in the United States alone. People from all backgrounds have had 
to deal with the hardships associated with amputation. Over half of 
amputations in the United States occur among elderly citizens as a 
result of vascular deficiencies. From childhood to middle adulthood, 
the most common cause of limb loss is from traumatic injuries. Other 
major causes can include primary bone malignancies and congenital limb 
defects.
  Although there have been great strides in prosthetic research, many 
people are still limited by the financial burdens associated with 
acquiring an artificial limb. A new prosthetic device can cost between 
$8,000 and $70,000. These limbs must often be replaced every few years, 
adding to the burden placed on an amputee. Even when insurance does 
cover the cost of these new prosthetic devices, it is often a one-time 
reimbursement. This leaves the amputee to deal with any further care or 
replacement devices that are necessary.
  The prosthetic device is not the only cost incurred by the amputee. 
There are many secondary factors that must be considered. Over 25,000 
people are readmitted to the hospital each year due to complications 
resulting from their amputation. Amputees must deal with both the 
physical and emotional consequences of limb loss. Physical therapy must 
be undertaken to learn how to perform the most basic tasks with a new, 
foreign limb. They must often also look for alternate occupations once 
limb loss has made their current occupation infeasible. As a result, 
amputees must often undergo counseling to help them come to terms 
emotionally with their altered lifestyle.
  According to the Amputee Coalition of America, amputees hope to one 
day see the elimination of barriers to their full participation in all 
aspects of life. In addition, they hope to see improvements in 
artificial limbs and prosthetic research. Finally they hope to see 
improved outcomes for amputees in the areas of chronic post-amputation 
pain and depression.
  There are countless locally-based organizations in the United States 
who provide services to amputees with very little recognition. One of 
those such organizations is located in Oklahoma. The Limbs of Life 
Foundation is a nationwide non-profit organization established in 1995 
in Oklahoma City to meet the needs of the amputee community. They do 
this in part by providing limbs at a free or discounted rate to 
individuals who would not normally be able to afford such devices. To 
date they have provided over 4,700 amputees with a prosthetic limb.
  However, Limb for Life's efforts are not limited to limb provision. 
They also seek to raise awareness of the amputee cause. Each year this 
foundation holds a bike ride from Oklahoma City to Austin, Texas to 
raise funds for their efforts. This year's ``Project 50-2000'' will 
provide funds to purchase limbs for those in need and will bring 
national attention to the amputee community. This is the type of effort 
that National Amputee Awareness Week is designed to spotlight.
  Mr. President, declaring the week of September 24-30 ``National 
Amputee Awareness Week'' would serve many purposes. At this point in 
time amputees have only a fragmented network through which to address 
their concerns. This week would provide them with a point of cohesion 
during which all amputees can come together in response to and in 
recognition of their common cause. Not only will amputees benefit from 
this week, the general population would also have the opportunity to be 
informed of the unique needs and problems faced by the amputee 
community. The amputee community and the general population would both 
gain from increased interaction that this week would bring.
  In closing, I hope all of my colleagues will join me in creating this 
important awareness and outreach opportunity for the amputee community.

                          ____________________