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1
SENATE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, There are approximately 2.1 million Americans
3living with limb loss and limb difference; and
 
4    WHEREAS, Over 500 Americans lose a limb every day; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Approximately 1,000 children are born each year
6in the United States with congenital limb difference, and
7approximately 600 children lose a limb to a lawn mower
8accident every summer; and
 
9    WHEREAS, Emotional, physical, and financial stress often
10plague those who have lost a limb; and
 
11    WHEREAS, Limb loss is a lifetime condition, and the
12general public is largely unaware of the many challenges faced
13by the amputee community; and
 
14    WHEREAS, The physical effects may be the most visible, but
15many times, the emotional difficulties surpass the physical
16impediments created by losing a limb; and
 
17    WHEREAS, Integrated data from the Department of Veterans
18Affairs and the Department of Defense shows that traumatic
19amputations account for less than half of one percent of the

 

 

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1veteran population; however, research reveals that after
2leaving military service, over 80 percent of amputees also
3have diagnoses in mental disorders, diseases of the nervous
4system and sense organs, and diseases of the musculoskeletal
5system and connective tissue in addition to their injury; and
 
6    WHEREAS, Diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and trauma
7are cited as the leading causes of amputation; and
 
8    WHEREAS, Studies have shown that behaviors such as
9diabetes management, properly treating wounds, and observing
10safety practices can be effective in preventing amputations;
11and
 
12    WHEREAS, The number of Americans living with limb
13loss/difference will rise to over 3.6 million by 2050 unless a
14major public awareness campaign is launched and key prevention
15initiatives are put in place; and
 
16    WHEREAS, Access to appropriate prosthetic care for people
17living with limb loss is vital to enable individuals to reach
18their full potential, live independently, and live well; and
 
19    WHEREAS, April is an appropriate month to designate as
20Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month as spring is a
21time of renewal and inspiration; therefore, be it
 

 

 

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1    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL
2ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare April of
32023 as Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month in the
4State of Illinois.