Whereas, Heart defects are among the most common birth defects and are the leading cause of birth defect-related deaths with every 1 in 100 babies being affected; and,

Whereas, Approximately one million Americans have congenital heart defects, and 40,000 babies each year are born with a defect in the United States alone; and,

Whereas, In the United States, there are nearly twice as many deaths due to congenital heart defects than that of all forms of childhood cancers combined; and,

Whereas, Despite the statistics, newborns are not routinely screened for congenital heart defects, and a disproportionately small amount of funding is available for research and support;

Whereas, Over the past few decades, the diagnosis and treatment of these complex defects has greatly improved. As a result, almost all children who have received treatment for their heart defects grow up living active lives;

Now, Therefore, be it Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, governor of the state of Michigan, do hereby proclaim the week of February 8, 2009, Congenital Heart Defects Awareness Week.  I encourage all citizens to learn more about these defects and to recognize the importance of raising awareness.