2026 -- H 8411

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LC004526

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING APRIL OF 2026, TO BE "LIMB LOSS AND LIMB DIFFERENCE

AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Representatives Fogarty, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Handy,
Kennedy, Tanzi, Ajello, Felix, and Fellela

     Date Introduced: April 07, 2026

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, Loss of limb refers to the absence of a limb due to injury, disease or

surgery. Limb difference refers to physical variation in the size, shape, or function of a limb.

Limb difference can be present from birth (congenital) or acquired later in life; and

     WHEREAS, There are approximately 5.7 million individuals living with limb loss and

limb difference in the United States; and

     WHEREAS, More than 2.3 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, 185,000 to 500,000 individuals in the United States experience

limb loss or are born with limb difference; and

     WHEREAS, Diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and blood clots are cited as the

leading causes of limb loss, accounting for fifty-four percent of amputations; and

     WHEREAS, Traumatic accidents or injuries such as motor vehicle collisions, workplace

incidents, sporting injuries, and military wounds, are other significant causes of limb loss,

affecting forty-five percent of amputees; and

     WHEREAS, Studies have shown that behaviors such as effective 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 thrive; 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 April of 2026, 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 supporting 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 service to our Nation or thereafter; 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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LC004526

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