HR 168 — A Resolution recognizing the month of April 2025 as "World HIE Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

PRINTER'S NO.   1229

                  THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA



           HOUSE RESOLUTION
              No. 168
                                                Session of
                                                  2025

     INTRODUCED BY LABS, VENKAT, K.HARRIS AND GILLEN, APRIL 3, 2025

     REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, APRIL 3, 2025


                               A RESOLUTION
 1   Recognizing the month of April 2025 as "World HIE Awareness
 2      Month" in Pennsylvania.
 3      WHEREAS, Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) impacts 2 to 3
 4   out of every 1,000 live births, highlighting the importance of
 5   awareness among all residents of this Commonwealth; and
 6      WHEREAS, Thousands of families worldwide face the challenges
 7   posed by HIE, yet only a small fraction receive the psychosocial
 8   support needed to navigate the condition's complexities; and
 9      WHEREAS, HIE occurs when the brain is deprived of oxygen due
10   to various causes, including placental insufficiency, uterine
11   rupture, umbilical cord knots, cord compression, low maternal
12   blood pressure, delivery trauma, aneurysm rupture and near
13   Sudden Infant Death Syndrome events; and
14      WHEREAS, While 75% to 80% of infants born with HIE survive,
15   of those survivors, 50% to 70% experience seizures and 30% to
16   40% develop developmental disabilities such as cerebral palsy,
17   epilepsy, vision or hearing loss, feeding difficulties and
18   cognitive or speech delays; and
 1      WHEREAS, The extent of each child's injury is unique,
 2   determined by factors such as the severity of oxygen deprivation
 3   and the specific areas of the brain affected; and
 4      WHEREAS, Hope for HIE, a dedicated organization, supports and
 5   connects families affected by HIE by providing resources,
 6   information, guidance and personalized assistance; and
 7      WHEREAS, Hope for HIE fosters a sense of community, offering
 8   families impacted by HIE access to shared experiences and much-
 9   needed support; and
10      WHEREAS, "World HIE Awareness Month" serves as a vital
11   platform to educate the public, connect families and inspire
12   hope for those facing the challenges of an HIE diagnosis;
13   therefore be it
14      RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the
15   month of April 2025 as "World HIE Awareness Month" in
16   Pennsylvania, emphasizing the importance of awareness, support
17   and education in addressing HIE and its impact on families.




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