Whereas, Birth defects can and do affect any family, regardless of age, sex, race, family history, economic status or education; and,

Whereas, Birth defects are the leading cause of death in children less than one year of age, accounting for one in every five deaths; and,

Whereas, The Children’s Health Act of 2000 created the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, which works to prevent birth defects and developmental disabilities, promote optimal child development and protect the health and welfare of Americans affected with birth defects and disabilities; and,

Whereas, There are steps a woman can take to increase her chances of having a healthy baby; and,

Whereas, The U.S. Public Health Service recommends that all women of child-bearing age get 400 micrograms (400mcg or 0.4 mg) of folic acid everyday to prevent up to 70 percent of some types of serious defects; and,

Whereas, The Michigan Department of Community Health is pleased to join the National Birth Defects Prevention Network, as well as many dedicated volunteers, health care professionals, families and persons affected by birth defects, in participating in a special month devoted to increasing awareness to prevent birth defects, and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim January, 2004, as Birth Defects Prevention Month in Michigan.