Proclomation Sample for CHD week

Proclamation Wording Suggestion:
Whereas, congenital heart defects are those existing at birth; and
Whereas, with familiarity of the disorder, more diagnoses are being made of what was not long ago
thought to be an extremely rare disorder and not repairable;
Whereas, CHD is among the most common birth defects and is the leading cause of defect-related deaths.
Too many babies and children born with CHDs continue to die due to the severity of the defect, the heart
defect not being detected in time, a lack of donor hearts, or failure of the medical
intervention used;
Whereas, more than 40,000 infants (1 of every 100) are born each year with heart defects in the United
States;
Whereas, CHD is being researched by numerous professionals (at least 35 defects are now recognized) in
order to more accurately describe its origin, physical signs and symptoms and surgical options;
Whereas, it is important to raise awareness of this disorder, so that the likelihood of early diagnosis and
intervention will increase;
Therefore, I, _________________ Governor of the State of _________________, do hereby officially
proclaim February 7-14th as Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week.