Bill Text: DE HCR52 | 2009-2010 | 145th General Assembly | Draft

Delaware House Concurrent Resolution 52 (Prior Session Legislation)

Draft

Bill Title: Designating October 2010 As "blindness Awareness Month" In Delaware.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)

Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2010-06-24 - Passed by Senate. Votes: Passed 21 YES 0 NO 0 NOT VOTING 0 ABSENT 0 VACANT [HCR52 Detail]

Download: Delaware-2009-HCR52-Draft.html

SPONSOR:

Rep. Gilligan, on behalf of all Representatives;

Sen. DeLuca, on behalf of all Senators

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

145th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 52

Designating October 2010 as "Blindness Awareness Month" in Delaware.

WHEREAS, more than two-thirds of visually impaired adults in the United States are over 65 years of age; and nearly 20.5 million Americans age 40 and older are afflicted with cataracts, which is the leading cause of blindness in the United States; and

WHEREAS, across the globe someone goes blind every 5 seconds, and some 37 million people are blind and 124 million people severely visually impaired; however, the World Health Organization estimates that 75% of all blindness can be treated, cured, or prevented by highly cost-effective means; and

WHEREAS, the prevalence of blindness increases rapidly in later years, particularly after age 75; and the number of Americans with age-related eye disease is expected to double within the next three decades unless something is done to reverse the trend, according to EyeCare America, which is the public service foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology; and

WHEREAS, "World Sight Day" in October was launched by Lions Club International in 1998 to recognize and reinforce the importance of eradicating preventable blindness; and, since its inception, events have been held in six continents to observe this day, including cataract and glaucoma screenings, collection of used eyeglasses for recycling, and distribution of educational material; and

WHEREAS, "World Sight Day" is supported around the world by governments, health care providers, professional associations, and other concerned individuals who are working together with a shared commitment to eliminate avoidable blindness worldwide by the year 2020; and

WHEREAS, October is recognized as "World Blindness Awareness Month" by the American Academy of Ophthalmology; and

WHEREAS, the Delaware Commission for the Blind, through the Delaware Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired, in the Department of Health and Social Services, provides services in the area of education, employment, independence, and eye health; and

WHEREAS, the State of Delaware should support the vitally important work of enhancing public awareness about ways to prevent, treat, and cure blindness and other serious visual impairments that are highlighted by these events during the month of October in each year;

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 145^th General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the Senate concurring therein, that October 2010 is designated as "Blindness Awareness Month" in Delaware to increase public awareness about eye disease and eye care and ways to address the rising trend of blindness and severe visual impairment.

SYNOPSIS

This resolution designates October 2010 as "Blindness Awareness Month".