| R 313 | 
| 2024 -- H 8300 Enacted 05/22/2024  | 
| H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N | 
| PROCLAIMING MAY OF 2024, TO BE “LIMB LOSS AND LIMB DIFFERENCE AWARENESS MONTH” IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND | 
Introduced By: Representatives Fogarty, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Hull, Handy, Place, Kennedy, Tanzi, Ajello, and Shallcross Smith  | 
| Date Introduced: May 22, 2024 | 
| WHEREAS, There are more than 5.6 million individuals living with limb loss and limb | 
| difference in the United States; and | 
| WHEREAS, More than 2.2 million individuals live with a form of limb loss, and more | 
| than 3.4 million were born with a form of limb difference; and | 
| WHEREAS, Each year, over 500,000 individuals in the United States experienced limb | 
| loss or are born with limb difference; and | 
| WHEREAS, Diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and trauma are cited as the leading | 
| causes of amputation with approximately 90 percent of cases being contributed to them; and | 
| WHEREAS, Studies have shown that behaviors such as diabetes management, properly | 
| treating wounds, and observing safety practices can be effective in preventing amputations; and | 
| WHEREAS, Access to appropriate prosthetic care for people living with limb loss or | 
| limb difference is vital to enable individuals to reach their full potential, remain physically active, | 
| live independently, and live well; and | 
| WHEREAS, The Amputee Coalition provides education, support and advocacy through | 
| the National Limb Loss Resource Center for the benefit of persons who have limb loss and limb | 
| difference, their families and health care providers throughout the United States; now, therefore | 
| be it | 
| RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby | 
| proclaims May of 2024, to be “Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month” in the State | 
| of Rhode Island; and be it further | 
| RESOLVED, That this House hereby encourages all Rhode Islanders to join in | 
| recognizing the importance of this month by celebrating people living with limb loss and limb | 
| difference, learning about issues affecting people with limb loss or limb difference, expressing | 
| gratitude to family and caregivers who are a source of support and motivation, and by saluting | 
| our veterans who have lost their limbs in the service to our Nation or in retirement; and be it | 
| further | 
| RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to | 
| transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the National Limb Loss Resource Center and | 
| The Amputee Coalition. | 
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| LC006151 | 
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