A concurrent resolution supporting the goals and ideals of a Day of Hearts, Congenital Heart Defect Day in order to increase awareness about congenital heart defects, and for other purposes.

        [Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Con. Res. 69 Engrossed in Senate (ES)]

109th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. CON. RES. 69

_______________________________________________________________________

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Whereas congenital heart defects are structural problems with the heart that are
present at birth;
Whereas such defects range in severity from simple problems, such as ``holes''
between chambers of the heart, to very severe malformations, such as the
complete absence of one or more chambers or valves of the heart;
Whereas more than one million Americans have some form of a congenital heart
defect and such defect is the number one cause of death in infants;
Whereas out of 1000 births, eight babies will have some form of a congenital
heart disorder, and approximately 35,000 babies are born with such
defects each year;
Whereas twice as many children die each year from congenital heart disease
compared with childhood cancers, yet funding for pediatric cancer
research is five times higher than such funding for congenital heart
disease;
Whereas cardiovascular disease is the Nation's leading killer in both men and
women among all racial and ethnic groups;
Whereas the United States has a severe shortage of cardiac centers that are
fully equipped to provide care for adults living with complex heart
defects;
Whereas almost one million Americans die of cardiovascular disease each year,
resulting in up to 42 percent of all deaths in the United States;
Whereas the presence of a serious congenital heart defect often results in an
enormous emotional and financial strain on young families who are
already in a vulnerable stage of their lives;
Whereas severe congenital heart disease requires that families dedicate
extensive financial resources for assistance and care both within and
outside of a hospital environment;
Whereas congenial heart defects exceed more than $2.2 million a year for
inpatient surgery alone; and
Whereas February 14, 2006, would be an appropriate day to recognize A Day for
Hearts: Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring),
That the Congress supports the goals and ideals of A Day of Hearts:
Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day to--
(1) increase awareness about congenital heart defects;
(2) encourage research with respect to the disease; and
(3) support the millions of Americans who are affected by
this disease.

Passed the Senate February 7, 2006.

Attest:

Secretary.
109th CONGRESS

2d Session

S. CON. RES. 69

_______________________________________________________________________

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Supporting the goals and ideals of a Day of Hearts, Congenital Heart
Defect Day in order to increase awareness about congenital heart
defects, and for other purposes.