Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 100 Part 5.djvu/1013

 PROCLAMATION 5525—SEPT. 15, 1986

100 STAT. 4487

rations and demonstrated ability to meet challenges and make the most of opportunities have resulted in changing the way the Nation thinks about handicaps and disabilities. Let us recognize through our actions, as well as our words, that people with disabilities are first of all our fellow citizens, who happen to be disabled. The Congress, by Joint Resolution approved August 11, 1945, as amended (36 U.S.C. 155), has called for the designation of the first full week in October of each year as "National Employ the Handicapped Week." This special week is a time for all Americans to join together to renew their dedication to meeting the goal of full opportunities for disabled citizens. NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the week beginning October 5, 1986, as National Employ the Handicapped Week. I urge all governors, mayors, other public officials, leaders in business and labor, and private citizens to help meet the challenge of insuring equal employment opportunities and full citizenship rights and privileges for people with disabilities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of September, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eleventh. RONALD REAGAN Proclamation 5525 of September 15, 1986

National Infection Control Week, 1986 and 1987

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By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Nosocomial (hospital-associated) infections directly cause more than twenty thousand deaths annually. They contribute indirectly to an additional sixty thousand deaths every year. Approximately one-third of all such infections, according to public health experts, are preventable. While doctors have long been aware of this problem in hospitals, there is new and growing concern about the spread of infection in day care centers. There is no way of reckoning the human cost of these infectious diseases. But we do know that the days lost from school and work as a result of these diseases and the cost of treating them create a great financial burden for the American public. Scientific evidence has shown that improved health practices, such as proper hand-washing in health care and educational facilities, can significantly reduce the spread of infections, especially staphylococcal infections, which are a threat to hospital patients, and meningitis and diarrheal diseases, which can be contracted in day care centers that neglect proper hygienic practices. Public Health Service investigators are continuing vital research. They are optimistic that new discoveries will lead to the development of improved techniques for diagnosing, treating, and preventing the spread of infectious diseases. To focus public and professional attention on the seriousness of nosocomial and other infectious diseases, the Congress, by Public Law 99-373, has authorized and requested the President to designate a calendar week in 1986

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