2017 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 97
BY SENATOR BARROW
A RESOLUTION
To designate May 14 through 20, 2017, as "Tracheostomy Tube Awareness Week" in the
state of Louisiana.
WHEREAS, Tracheostomy Tube Awareness Week was established to bring
awareness to everyone living with tracheostomy tubes; and
WHEREAS, the purpose is to destigmatize children, youth, and adults living with
and thriving via tracheostomy tube usage as medical life support; and
WHEREAS, tracheostomies are surgically created holes that pass from the front of
the neck into the trachea and are created to allow patent airway access and adequate
breathing; and
WHEREAS, they may be temporary in the case of airway emergencies or may be
used for long-term access to airway and breathing depending on a patient's condition or
overall health; and
WHEREAS, several hundred patients die annually of tracheostomy-related events
in the United States; and
WHEREAS, most deaths occur at home and are potentially preventable with better
patient and family education, coordinated care, and support; and
WHEREAS, because tracheostomies require care from multiple specialties, patients
often experience disorganized, fragmented, and needlessly expensive care; and
WHEREAS, Trach Mommas of Louisiana was organized to provide peer support,
resources, education, training, information, and advocacy to parents and caregivers and
individuals with a tracheostomy; and
WHEREAS, they serve children and adults with tracheostomies and their caregivers
throughout Louisiana with emotional and practical support and give them a voice in the
community; and
Page 1 of 2 SR NO. 97 ENROLLED
WHEREAS, a tracheostomy gives an individual the ability to breathe and a chance
at living life with the freedoms afforded to all citizens; and
WHEREAS, the technology of a tracheostomy gives babies who are born
prematurely the opportunity to have a stronger airway and lungs; and
WHEREAS, a child or individual with a tracheostomy, along with his family, needs
extra love, positive attention, and support from the community and to not be avoided,
segregated, or feared; and
WHEREAS, awareness efforts are designed to educate the community about the
impact of having a tracheostomy and to encourage positive community support.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby designate May 14 through 20, 2017, as "Tracheostomy Tube Awareness Week"
in the state of Louisiana.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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