Public Law 98–41

Joint Resolution

Designating the week beginning June 19, 1983, as “National Children’s Liver Disease Awareness Week”.

Whereas there are more than one hundred different kinds of liver disease identified in children;

Whereas certain children’s liver diseases result in cirrhosis causing the deaths of infants and young children;

Whereas there are a million cases of hepatitis in the United States annually, half of which occur in children;

Whereas there have been tremendous strides in the liver transplant program as a result of new therapeutic drugs and improved surgical techniques;

Whereas newborn screening programs, with early recognition and intervention, are now preventing the onset of insidious liver ailments in infants and young children;

Whereas it is essential that childhood liver disorders be eradicated because the future of the United States lies in the hands of our children;

Whereas the key to eradicating all childhood liver disorders is through extensive pediatric liver research; and

Whereas the week beginning June 19, 1983, marks the establishment of the National Children’s Liver Disease Awareness Program, a combined effort to bring to the attention of the American people the overwhelming need for pediatric liver disease research, newborn screening programs, and the dismissal of the tremendous financial burden placed on families whose children require long term care and/or liver transplantation: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

Approved June 20, 1983.