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WHEREAS, severe burn injuries are a leading cause of deaths and injuries in North America, especially among young children; and
WHEREAS, more than 2 million people every year suffer burn injuries of some kind, and more than one of every three burn victims are children; and
WHEREAS, approximately 75 percent of all burn injuries and deaths are preventable; and
WHEREAS, the Shrine of North America, including Pittsburgh's own Syria Shrine Center, has as it's sole philanthropy the 22 Shriners Hospitals for Children. These hospitals provide no-cost medical care to children up to the age of 18 who suffer from orthopedic problems, spinal chord disorders and burn-related injuries; and
WHEREAS, known as the experts in pediatric burn care, Shriners Hospitals operate four burn hospitals in Galveston, Cincinnati, Boston and Sacramento. Since the Shriners first opened the burn hospitals in the mid-1960's, a burned child's chance of survival has more than doubled; and
WHEREAS, every year the Shrine of North America and Shriners Hospitals join with other burn facilities across the nation to recognize the seriousness of this hazard and the urgent need to educate the public about burn prevention and fire safety.
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh commends the Shrine of North America for their philanthropy and commends Shriners everywhere for their dedication and contributions to the health and wellbeing of children and their continued support and care for young burn victims.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that February 1-7, 2004 be herby declared "Shriners Hospital Burn Awareness Week" in the City of Pittsburgh.