HOUSE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING APRIL OF 2026, TO BE "LIMB LOSS AND LIMB DIFFERENCE AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

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LC004526
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N
PROCLAIMING APRIL OF 2026, TO BE "LIMB LOSS AND LIMB DIFFERENCE
AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By:
Representatives Fogarty, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Handy,
Kennedy, Tanzi, Ajello, Felix, and Fellela

Date Introduced:
April 07, 2026

Referred To:
House read and passed
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WHEREAS, Loss of limb refers to the absence of a limb due to injury, disease or
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surgery. Limb difference refers to physical variation in the size, shape, or function of a limb.
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Limb difference can be present from birth (congenital) or acquired later in life; and
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WHEREAS, There are approximately 5.7 million individuals living with limb loss and
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limb difference in the United States; and
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WHEREAS, More than 2.3 million individuals live with a form of limb loss, and more
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than 3.4 million were born with a form of limb difference; and
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WHEREAS, Each year, 185,000 to 500,000 individuals in the United States experience
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limb loss or are born with limb difference; and
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WHEREAS, Diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and blood clots are cited as the
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leading causes of limb loss, accounting for fifty-four percent of amputations; and
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WHEREAS, Traumatic accidents or injuries such as motor vehicle collisions, workplace
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incidents, sporting injuries, and military wounds, are other significant causes of limb loss,
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affecting forty-five percent of amputees; and
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WHEREAS, Studies have shown that behaviors such as effective diabetes management,
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properly treating wounds, and observing safety practices can be effective in preventing
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amputations; and
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WHEREAS, Access to appropriate prosthetic care for people living with limb loss or
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limb difference is vital to enable individuals to reach their full potential, remain physically active,

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live independently, and thrive; and
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WHEREAS, The Amputee Coalition provides education, support and advocacy through
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the National Limb Loss Resource Center for the benefit of persons who have limb loss and limb
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difference, their families, and health care providers throughout the United States; now, therefore
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be it
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RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby
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proclaims April of 2026, to be “Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month” in the State
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of Rhode Island; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That this House hereby encourages all Rhode Islanders to join in
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recognizing the importance of this month by supporting people living with limb loss and limb
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difference, learning about issues affecting people with limb loss or limb difference, expressing
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gratitude to family and caregivers who are a source of support and motivation, and by saluting
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our veterans who have lost their limbs in service to our Nation or thereafter; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
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transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the National Limb Loss Resource Center and
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The Amputee Coalition.
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