Resolution 110803

..Title Celebrating November 14th 2011 as "World Diabetes Day" and encouraging all to participate in the "Believe in Blue" Campaign. ..Body WHEREAS, The International Diabetes Federation and World Health Organization along with the United Nations recognize Diabetes as a non-communicable pandemic disease that threatens to overwhelm healthcare systems and emerge as a serious barrier to economic development; and WHEREAS, The Mantra for World Diabetes Day stands as Diabetes Education and Prevention with one goal to have EVERY government implement effective strategies and policies for the prevention and management of diabetes and its devastating complications; and WHEREAS, The globally recognized logo for World Diabetes is a blue circle: the color blue symbolizes the sky that unites all nations and signifies the unity of the global diabetes community in response to the diabetes pandemic and the circle symbolizes life and health; and WHEREAS, Diabetes is a chronic, progressive condition that affects approximately 285 million people worldwide, it's the 4th leading causes of global death by disease with 2 people developing diabetes every 10 seconds and in Philadelphia the Diagnosis of Diabetes is 5 % above the National Average; and WHEREAS, According to the American Diabetes Association, 25 percent of African Americans between the ages of 65 and 74 are diagnosed with Diabetes with one in four African American women over 55 years of age diagnosed with diabetes and if uncontrolled can lead to a number of serious and sometimes life-threatening complications, including blindness, kidney disease, heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, and loss of limb; and WHEREAS, More than 60% of Non-Traumatic Lower Limb Amputations occur in people with Diabetes and recognizing that Hispanics and African Americans are at greater risk suffering from Lower Limb Amputations; and WHEREAS, Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine started Philadelphia's World Diabetes Day and the "Believe in Blue" Campaign in 2008 in collaboration with many of Philadelphia's iconic landmarks lighting Blue in order to raise awareness of the need for urgency in the diagnosis, treatment, education and prevention of Diabetes of those within the Philadelphia Community and the United States to decrease the risks of Lower Limb Amputation and untimely death; and WHEREAS, Through World Diabetes Day and the "Believe in Blue" Campaign we as a City must unite as brothers and sisters to overcome the preventable complications and devastating outcomes of Diabetes; now therefore, BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA, That the City of Philadelphia Celebrate November 14th as "World Diabetes Day" and we honor Temple University for their tireless efforts helping those in the Philadelphia community recognize the impact of Diabetes on our City as well as provide individuals effective treatments and better access to Diabetes Education and prevention strategies through their Multidisciplinary approach to Diabetes as both a healthcare provider and an educational institution. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine as further evidencing the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body. ..End