| R 197 |
| 2025 -- H 6154 Enacted 04/01/2025 |
| H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N |
| PROCLAIMING APRIL OF 2025, TO BE “LIMB LOSS AND LIMB DIFFERENCE AWARENESS MONTH” IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND |
Introduced By: Representatives Fogarty, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Kazarian, Handy, Shallcross Smith, Knight, Cortvriend, and Hull |
| Date Introduced: April 01, 2025 |
| 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 more than 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, over 500,000 individuals in the United States experienced 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 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 April of 2025, 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 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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| LC002505 |
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