SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 29
(By Senators Helmick, Ross, Mitchell, Anderson, Bailey, Ball, Boley, Bowman, Chafin, Craigo, Dittmar, Edgell, Fanning, Hunter, Jackson, Kessler, Love, McCabe, McKenzie, Minard, Minear, Oliverio, Plymale, Prezioso, Redd, Schoonover, Sharpe, Snyder, Sprouse, Unger, Walker, Wooton and Tomblin, Mr. President)
)

Recognizing the many contributions of the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation to the State of West Virginia.

Whereas, The March of Dimes was founded in 1938 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to raise funds through the efforts of volunteers to support the development of a vaccine which has virtually eliminated the crippling human toll of polio from the world; and
Whereas, For the past forty years, the March of Dimes has been a pioneer in saving babies from birth defects, low-birth weight and infant mortality through research, community programs, education and advocacy; and
Whereas, Through birth defects surveillance, neural tube birth defects were determined to be reduced by as much as seventy percent through the consumption of folic acid prior to pregnancy, establishing the groundwork for a national three-year campaign; and
Whereas, Assuring a healthy start in life for future children depends on the efforts and commitment of all West Virginians; therefore, the Senate has been asked to consider investing in a comprehensive birth defects surveillance system by committing future resources; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby recognizes the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation for its many breakthroughs in improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Senate hereby congratulates the March of Dimes for embarking on a three-year National Folic Acid Campaign and promoting folic acid supplements prior to pregnancy for women of child-bearing years to reduce neural tube birth defects by seventy percent; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the appropriate representatives of the West Virginia state chapter of the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation.