HOUSE MEMORIAL 8

55th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2022

INTRODUCED BY

Joy Garratt and Dayan Hochman-Vigil

A MEMORIAL

DECLARING FEBRUARY 7 THROUGH FEBRUARY 14, 2022 "CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE AWARENESS WEEK" IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

     WHEREAS, the adult congenital heart association, founded in 1998, is the only nonprofit organization in the country dedicated solely to the unique needs of the nearly two million adults who were born with heart defects; and

     WHEREAS, congenital heart defects are the most common birth defect in the United States, with nearly one in one hundred babies born each year with a heart defect; and

     WHEREAS, advances and innovations in pediatric cardiology have increased long-term survival of children born with congenital heart defects; and

     WHEREAS, for more than a decade, the number of adults with congenital heart defects exceeds the number of children with congenital heart defects, and this number continues to grow exponentially; and

     WHEREAS, congenital heart disease requires lifelong specialized cardiac care; and

     WHEREAS, the mission of the adult congenital heart association is to empower the congenital heart defect community by advancing access to resources and specialized care that improve patient-centered outcomes;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that February 7 through February 14, 2022 be declared "Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Week" in the house of representatives to honor and celebrate the contributions of New Mexico residents with congenital heart disease; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the adult congenital heart association's mission to empower and support all those who were born with a heart defect, their loved ones and the medical community that cares for them in New Mexico be recognized; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the chair of the board of directors of the adult congenital heart association.

- 2 -