SR0108 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0108 LRB103 30581 ECR 57018 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, There are approximately 2.1 million Americans living with limb loss and limb difference; and

WHEREAS, Over 500 Americans lose a limb every day; and

WHEREAS, Approximately 1,000 children are born each year in the United States with congenital limb difference, and approximately 600 children lose a limb to a lawn mower accident every summer; and

WHEREAS, Emotional, physical, and financial stress often plague those who have lost a limb; and

WHEREAS, Limb loss is a lifetime condition, and the general public is largely unaware of the many challenges faced by the amputee community; and

WHEREAS, The physical effects may be the most visible, but many times, the emotional difficulties surpass the physical impediments created by losing a limb; and

WHEREAS, Integrated data from the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense shows that traumatic amputations account for less than half of one percent of the veteran population; however, research reveals that after leaving military service, over 80 percent of amputees also have diagnoses in mental disorders, diseases of the nervous system and sense organs, and diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue in addition to their injury; and

WHEREAS, Diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and trauma are cited as the leading causes of amputation; 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, The number of Americans living with limb loss/difference will rise to over 3.6 million by 2050 unless a major public awareness campaign is launched and key prevention initiatives are put in place; and

WHEREAS, Access to appropriate prosthetic care for people living with limb loss is vital to enable individuals to reach their full potential, live independently, and live well; and

WHEREAS, April is an appropriate month to designate as Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month as spring is a time of renewal and inspiration; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare April of 2023 as Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month in the State of Illinois.