Designates February 12th of each year as "Carly Day" in NJ.
Impact
The resolution's impact extends to educational and public health domains, promoting awareness around congenital heart defects and their effects. With New Jersey being the first state to implement mandated newborn screenings for such defects, 'Carly Day' would serve not only as a commemoration but also as an annual reminder of the significance of early detection and research in improving outcomes for affected individuals. The designation aligns with Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week, which is observed nationally from February 7th to February 14th, thereby reinforcing the state's commitment to healthcare advancements.
Summary
Assembly Joint Resolution No. 191 aims to designate February 12th of each year as 'Carly Day' in the state of New Jersey. The resolution notably honors Carly Fetzer, a resident of Bayville who was born with a congenital heart defect known as hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Carly's journey included undergoing three major surgeries during her early years of life, and despite battling her condition, she lived for 18 years, embodying courage and resilience until her passing. This designation seeks to raise awareness about congenital heart defects, which affect numerous babies born in the United States every year.
Conclusion
Overall, AJR191 not only honors the memory of Carly Fetzer but also serves an important function of raising awareness and fostering education around congenital heart conditions. As communities recognize 'Carly Day', the hope is to spur conversations, education, and policy initiatives that can lead to better health outcomes and continued support for families grappling with such serious conditions.
Contention
Notably, while resolutions such as AJR191 enjoy broad public support as they commemorate individuals and raise awareness for vital health issues, potential points of contention may arise concerning the allocation of state resources towards awareness programs, and prioritization of different health issues. However, the strong community connection and personal story behind the resolution, represented by the Carly Fetzer Queen of Hearts Foundation, help maintain a positive reception among constituents. The foundation also actively supports families of children with congenital heart defects, showcasing the personal investment of the community in health advocacy.
Designating the week of February 7 through February 14, 2023, as "Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week" and further designating February 14, 2023, as "Emersyn's Day" in Pennsylvania.