Georgia General Assembly · Full text

HR 1180: Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week; February 7-14, 2026; recognize

Introduced version, the latest LegiScan holds · Last action February 2, 2026 · Passed

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House Resolution 1180

By: Representative O’Steen of the 169th

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing February 7-14, 2026, as congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, the health and well being of all children throughout Georgia are of paramount importance the our families and communities; and

WHEREAS, thousands of children are born with birth defects every year, including approximately 40,000 children in the United States who begin life with one of more than 35 identified forms of congenital heart defects; and

WHEREAS, congenital heart defects are among Georgia’s most common birth defect and they can be fatal due to their seriousness, insufficient medical intervention options, and the limited availability of infant donor hearts; and

WHEREAS, the origins and symptoms of congenital heart defects are becoming more readily identifiable and the range of surgical options are expanding continuously thanks to doctors’ and scientists’ diligent research efforts and field experiences that extend our body of knowledge every day; and

WHEREAS, there is much to learn about the causes of and the effective treatments for congenital heart defects and it is important for parents, pediatricians, and nurses to recognize the warning signs associated with congenital heart defects among newborns so they may provide proper treatment as early as possible; and

WHEREAS, many of Georgia’s families and communities are directly or indirectly affected by infant illness and death caused by congenital heart defects, and the state of Georgia applauds the efforts of doctors and scientists everywhere who work diligently to solve life’s medical mysteries and to improve the quality of life for us all; and

WHEREAS, Ben Abram Lingenfelter, born August 3, 2002, with Trasposition of the Great Arteries, endured open heart surgery during his first week of life in August, Georgia, and eventually survived three more open heart surgeries; and

WHEREAS, Ben graduated from the University of Georgia in December 2025, and created the Miracle Child Heart Foundation to help kids and young adults through the many physical, mental, and spiritual challenges of surviving multiple surgeries.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body recognize February 7-14, 2026, as Congenital Heart Defects Awareness Week.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the Lingenfelter family.