Rep John J. Duncan Jr (R-Tenn) has introduced a resolution to designate April as National Limb Loss Awareness Month.
He teamed with the Amputee Coalition of America, Knoxville, Tenn, on the bill in an effort to bring awareness to the 2 million Americans living with limb loss, a number that grows by more than 185,000 every year, says the group.
“It is my hope this bill will spur a national discussion on limb loss and bring much needed attention and resources to the many, many Americans who are a part of this community,” Duncan said in a statement.
The goal of the resolution is to present a heightened awareness of opportunities for the limb loss community. It designates a specific time to:
—provide support for individuals within the limb loss community;
—provide education and prevention information to both the limb loss community and the rest of the population; and
—provide an opportunity for individuals to discuss quality of life and other issues they face with the public, legislators and the media.
“Many people are unaware of the causes of amputation and often see limb loss in just a few categories; the distinguished veteran, the accomplished athlete, or the impoverished in other countries," said Amputee Coalition CEO Kendra Calhoun. "Limb loss can happen to anyone, at any time, for almost any reason. This resolution gives amputees a time to come out and present a better understanding of the limb loss community."
Duncan is working with colleagues in Congress to move the resolution forward and has sent a letter to every member of the House encouraging them to sign on and support this effort. This is a nonpartisan issue and gives legislators an opportunity to support amputees in their community.
[Source: Amputee Coalition]
