WHEREAS, Congenital Heart Defects are the most frequently occurring birth defect and the leading cause of birth
 defect-related deaths worldwide; and

        WHEREAS, over one million families across America are facing the challenges and hardships of raising children with Congenital Heart Defects; and

        WHEREAS, every year 40,000 babies are born in the United States with Congenital Heart Defects; and

        WHEREAS, some Congenital Heart Defects are not diagnosed until months or years after birth; and

        WHEREAS, undiagnosed Congenital Heart Defects cause many cases of sudden cardiac death in young athletes; and

        WHEREAS, despite these statistics, newborns and young athletes are not routinely screened for Congenital Heart Defects; and

        WHEREAS, Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week provides an opportunity for families whose lives have been affected to celebrate life and to remember loved ones lost, to honor dedicated health professionals, and to meet others and know they are not alone; and

        WHEREAS, the establishment of Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week will provide the opportunity to share experiences and information with the public about Congenital Heart Defects;

        NOW, THEREFORE, I, C.L. “BUTCH” OTTER, Governor of the State of Idaho, do hereby proclaim February 7-14, 2007 to be

IDAHO  CONGENITAL  HEART  DEFECT  AWARENESS  WEEK

and encourages all citizens to increase Congenital Heart Defects awareness, education, and services.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Idaho at the Capitol in Boise on this 23^rd day of January in the year of our Lord two-thousand and seven and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred thirty-first and of the Statehood of Idaho the one hundred seventeenth.       

BEN YSURSA
SECRETARY OF STATE