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WHEREAS, in an effort to increase global awareness about diabetes, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) designated November 14th as World Diabetes Day. Since 2007, these entities have urged the world to light buildings blue to attract attention to the impact of diabetes in the world; and
WHEREAS, it is estimated that over 371 million people in the world have diabetes. Approximately 1 in 3 US citizens born after 2011 will be affected by diabetes during their lifetime. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death among Americans. Each year, more than 200,000 deaths are reported as being caused by diabetes or its' complications; and
WHEREAS, diabetes and its' complications has a negative effect on the economy due to a loss of productivity. It is estimated that one of every seven healthcare dollars in the United States is spent on a person with diabetes. People with diabetes have an increased risk for complications of their circulatory system, kidney and eye. Follow up and treatment of these complications increase expenditures four times as compared to a person without diabetes; and
WHEREAS, for World Diabetes Day on November 14th, awareness booths will be set up in Allegheny Health Network hospitals for education and diabetes screening. A "blue light special" will be served in the cafeterias at Allegheny Health Network hospitals, providing healthy options for visitors, employees, and patients with diabetes. All hospitals will be either illuminated with blue lights or blue ribbons as well as the Gulf Tower, Fifth Avenue Place, and the Carnegie Science Center. The International Diabetes Foundation Map will have Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania illuminated as a city that participated in activities related to World Diabetes Day; and
WHEREAS, the following individuals and organizations have offered support and partnered with this year's World Diabetes Day:
Allegheny Health Network
Joslin Diabetes Affiliates at Allegheny Health Network
Allegheny Health Network World Diabetes Day Planning Committee
American Diabetes Association
Pennsylvania Diabetes Action Partnership
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize and honor Allegheny Health Network hospitals, the network's World Diabetes Day Planning Committee, American Diabetes Association , Pennsylvania Diabetes Action Partnership and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation for their commitment towards creating awareness of diabetes; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Thursday, November 14, 2013, to be "World Diabetes Day" in the City of Pittsburgh.