WHEREAS, according to the National Newborn Screening and Genetics Resource Center 1 in 800 babies is born with a potentially severe or lethal metabolic, hormonal or blood disorder; and

WHEREAS, most babies with disorders look and act normal and seem perfectly healthy at birth; and

WHEREAS, if disorders are detected and treated early, growth and development can occur normally; and

WHEREAS, The Nevada Newborn Screening Program tests all infants for inherited disorders; and

WHEREAS, according to the Nevada Newborn Screening Program between 2005 and 2007, 146 children were identified with one of these disorders; and

WHEREAS, keeping babies healthy and promoting awareness of newborn screening disorders is an important responsibility and depends on many organizations and groups in our community; and

WHEREAS, building awareness and education can help families understand the need for these tests; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JIM GIBBONS, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, do hereby proclaim September, 2008, as

NATIONAL NEWBORN SCREENING AWARENESS MONTH IN NEVADA