CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE


                         PROCLAMATION

     CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE AWARENESS WEEK
                FEBRUARY 7-14, 2023
WHEREAS, Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) is the most prevalent birth defect in the
United States, affecting one in every 100 births; and

WHEREAS, each year in the United States, more than 40,000 babies are born with CHD;
800 babies born annually in Virginia with a congenital heart defect of which 400 will need
heart surgery within their first year of life; and

WHEREAS, there is no known cure for CHD, as it is a lifelong disease that requires
ongoing specialized care; and

WHEREAS, the health and well-being of congenital heart patients is of paramount
importance; UVA Health Systems has performed over 53 pediatric heart transplants since
2013; and

WHEREAS, thanks to the advancement of science and medicine, 85% of individuals born
with CHD now live past the age of 18; and

WHEREAS, even with these advancements, fewer than 10% of adults with CHD are
receiving the recommended care they need; and

WHEREAS, medical research can provide more identifiable means of the origins and
symptoms of CHD; and

WHEREAS, it is crucial that individuals planning a family, fetal clinicians, obstetric
physicians, pediatricians, and all those in the medical field have a greater understanding of
the potential for CHD; and

WHEREAS, Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Week provides the opportunity for
patients and families affected by CHD to share their experiences and knowledge so that the
general public may be aware of how this defect affects lives;

NOW THEREFORE, I, Lloyd Snook, Mayor, do hereby proclaim February 7-14, 2023,
“Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Week” in Charlottesville, Virginia, and encourage
everyone to learn more about CHD and its effects on our friends, family, and community.

Signed and sealed this 6th day of February 2023.


_______________________
J. Lloyd Snook, III, Mayor