Whereas, The good health and well-being of the people of Michigan are enhanced by our local support of a national effort to increase communication, education, and prevention strategies to reduce the number of birth defects; and,

Whereas, Each year approximately 10,000 babies in Michigan and an estimated 120,000 babies nationwide are born with serious birth defects; and,

Whereas, Birth defects can affect any family, regardless of age, sex, race, family history, economic status, or education, and are the leading cause of death in children less than one year of age, accounting for one in every five deaths; and,

Whereas, There are steps a woman can take to increase her chances of having a healthy baby, which include:  consuming 400 micrograms of folic acid daily; knowing one's family history; having a check-up from a health care provider prior to conception; seeking reproductive genetic counseling; managing chronic maternal illnesses such as diabetes, seizure disorders, lupus or phenykletonuria (PKU); avoiding alcohol, nicotine, and illicit drugs; checking with a health care provider before using prescription medications, over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements at the time of conception and during pregnancy; and avoiding harmful occupational and environmental exposures; and,

Whereas, Each year, January is designated as Birth Defects Prevention Month to increase public awareness about birth defects and prevention strategies; and,

Whereas, Prevention efforts offer the hope of decreasing the number of families in Michigan affected by birth defects as up to 70 percent of birth defects of the brain and spinal cord, including anencephaly and spina bifida, can be prevented; and,

Whereas, The Michigan Department of Community Health and the Genomics and Birth Defects Program join with the March of Dimes and the National Birth Defects Prevention Network, as well as many dedicated volunteers, health care professionals, and parent groups by participating in this promotion; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim January 2007, as Birth Defects Prevention Month.