HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 29

(By Delegate Compton)

[Introduced February 27, 2002; referred to the

Committee on Rules.]


A resolution recognizing the many contributions of the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation to the State of West Virginia.

W HEREAS , The President of the United States recognizes the March of Dimes as one of the most successful voluntary health organizations in the history of our nation whose resolve in combating disease has changed the world in which we live; and
W HEREAS , The March of Dimes was founded in 1938 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt for the development of a polio vaccine which would virtually eliminate the crippling human toll of the disease; and
W HEREAS , Since the victory over polio, the March of Dimes for over forty-six years continues to be a pioneer in saving infants from birth defects, low birth-weight, and infant mortality through research, community programs, education and advocacy; and
W HEREAS , The March of Dimes brings together the power of volunteers and the benefits of science against another even greater challenge - birth defects, the nation's number one child health care problem, accounting for more than twenty percent of all infant deaths; and
W HEREAS , By expanding the State's current Birth Defects Surveillance System, West Virginia would have the ability to:
(1) Identify the incidence and trends of birth defects,
(2) Expand the information database,
(3) Expand access and linkage s to support programs and services for identified babies and children, and
(4) increase prevention activities related to birth defects, prematurity, low birth-weight and infant mortality, and
W HEREAS , Assuring a healthy start in life for future children depends on the efforts and commitment of all West Virginians, and
Whereas, Future resources should be considered by both the House and the Senate in the expansion of the current West Virginia Birth Defects Surveillance System; therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Delegates:
That the House of Delegates hereby recognizes and commends the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation for its many breakthroughs in improving the health of babies by preventing both birth defects and infant mortality; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the appropriate representatives of the West Virginia State Chapter of the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation.