HR0806 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0806 LRB094 16116 HSS 51355 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the House of Representatives of the State of Illinois recognize the dedication and efforts of the March of Dimes Illinois Chapter and its volunteers who for over 67 years have been fighting for the health and well-being of America's children and are now taking on the problem of premature births; and

WHEREAS, More than a half million babies were born too soon in the United States last year, according to preliminary data released by the National Center for Health Statistics, and approximately 12.5% of all babies - about 508,000 - were born prematurely (less than 37 completed weeks gestation) in 2004, according to "Preliminary Births for 2004: Infant and Maternal Health" released by the March of Dimes during its Third Annual National "Prematurity Awareness Day"; and

WHEREAS, The March of Dimes Illinois Chapter has made a difference in the lives of over 22,000 premature babies annually born in Illinois; and

WHEREAS, The March of Dimes Illinois Chapter is recognized for its programs to improve prematurity risk detection and prevent preterm births; and

WHEREAS, Thanks to the research and education programs funded by the March of Dimes, every premature baby born has an increased chance for survival; and

WHEREAS, The March of Dimes Illinois Chapter serves as a resource for information about healthy pregnancies and premature births; and

WHEREAS, The March of Dimes Illinois Chapter works to increase awareness of the risk factors associated with premature birth such as smoking, drinking, and substance use; and

WHEREAS, The March of Dimes Illinois Chapter has successfully advocated to expand access to health coverage for pregnant women, infants, and children; and

WHEREAS, The March of Dimes annually promotes November as "Prematurity Awareness Month" and November 15 as "Prematurity Awareness Day" to recognize the serious crisis of premature birth; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we do hereby proclaim November 15, 2006, as Premature Birth Awareness Day in Illinois and encourage all citizens to be cognizant of the many wonderful and lifesaving services the March of Dimes Illinois Chapter provides to the people of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the March of Dimes Illinois Chapter as an expression of our esteem.