Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 97.djvu/243

 PUBLIC LAW 98-41—JUNE 20, 1983 97 STAT. 211 Public Law 98-41 98th Congress Joint Resolution Designating the week beginning June 19, 1983, as "National Children's Liver Disease Awareness Week". Whereas there are more than one hundred different kinds of Uver disease identified in children; Whereas certain children's liver diseases result in cirrhosis causing the deaths of infants and young children; Whereas there are a mUhon cases of hepatitis in the United States annually, half of which occur in children; Whereas there have been tremendous strides in the liver transplant program as a result of new therapeutic drugs and improved surgical techniques; Whereas newborn screening programs, with early recognition and intervention, are now preventing the onset of insidious liver ailments in infants and young children; Whereas it is essential that childhood liver disorders be eradicated because the future of the United States lies in the hands of our children; Whereas the key to eradicating all childhood liver disorders is through extensive pediatric liver research; and Whereas the week beginning June 19, 1983, marks the establish- ment of the National Children's Liver Disease Awareness Pro- gram, a combined effort to bring to the attention of the American people the overwhelming need for pediatric liver disease research, newborn screening programs, and the dismissal of the tremendous financial burden placed on families whose children require long term care and/or liver transplantation: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, ITiat the week beginning June 19, 1983, is designated "National Children's Liver Disease Awareness Week". The President is requested to issue a proclama- tion calling upon all Government agencies and people of the United States to observe the week with appropriate programs and activities. Approved June 20, 1983. June 20, 1983 [H.J. Res. 234] National Children's Liver Disease Awareness Week. LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.J. Res. 234: CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 129 (1983): May 12, considered and passed house. June 15, considered and passed Senate.

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