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Supervisor Parlin recommending the Board adopt and authorize the Chair to sign a Proclamation recognizing October 2022 as “Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month,” and October 15, 2022, as “Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day” in the County of El Dorado.
FUNDING: N/A
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The lives of an estimated one in four families are devastated by the death of a child during pregnancy, at birth or in infancy. Common effects of this loss include depression, anxiety, relationship challenges and post-traumatic stress, all of which can sometimes be misunderstood or underestimated by friends, family members and health care professionals.
On October 25, 1988, President Ronald Reagan designated the month of October 1988 as “Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.” He said at the time, “When a child loses his parent, they are called an orphan. When a spouse loses her or his partner, they are called a widow or widower. When parents lose their child, there isn’t a word to describe them. This month recognizes the loss so many parents experience across the United States and around the world. It is also meant to inform and provide resources for parents who have lost children due to miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, stillbirths, birth defects, SIDS, and other causes.”
And in 2002, the federal government proclaimed October 15 “Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day.” Every state and many countries now have a yearly proclamation in honor of those who have lost a child during pregnancy or during infancy. The day is observed with remembrance ceremonies and candle-lighting vigils, concluding with the “Lights of Love International Wave of Light,” a worldwide lighting of candles. The result of these candles is a continuous chain of light spanning the earth for a 24-hour period in honor and remembrance of all the loved and longed-for babies.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could decline to approve the Proclamation naming October as “Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month” and October 15, 2022, as “Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day."
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
09/08/21, Legistar Item 21-1504
10/13/20, Legistar Item 20-1363
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There are no costs associated with this recommendation.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Healthy Communities
CONTACT
Don Ashton, Chief Administrative Officer