WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressmen Dave Joyce (OH-14) and Mike Thompson (CA-05) have introduced a resolution recognizing National Burn Awareness Week as February 7, 2021 through February 13, 2021. The resolution calls upon government agencies, fire, life safety, health care organizations, the media, and Americans across the country to observe “National Burn Awareness Week” to educate Americans on the frequency, devastation, and causes of burn injuries, as well as preventative measures and treatments. 

“Unfortunately, burn injuries continue to be one of the leading causes of accidental death and injury in the United States,” said Joyce. “What’s worse is that nearly a third of all burn injuries occur in children under the age of 15. We need to spread awareness about the tragedies of burn injuries, how to best care for someone who has been burned, and most importantly, how to prevent these devastating accidents from ever happening in the first place. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution alongside Congressman Thompson to help promote burn injury awareness, prevent these terrible accidents that threaten thousands of lives every year, and recognize the first-responders who are dedicated to saving and caring for the victims of burn injuries.” 

“More than 400,000 people receive treatment for burn injuries each year, tragic accidents that young children are more vulnerable to than adults,” said Thompson. “To mark the seriousness of these injuries and honor the work of the burn centers, teams and patients, I am proud to join with Representative Joyce to introduce a bipartisan resolution to commemorate National Burn Awareness Week. We are joining together to honor those impacted by these tragic accidents and raise awareness about the importance of working to prevent burn injuries. We also join to thank the first responders and health care providers who care for burn patients each and every day.”

Burn injuries are among the most severe any patient can face, causing untold pain and requiring lengthy treatment and recovery. In 2018 alone, there were 3,655 deaths due to fire and smoke inhalation. According to the American Burn Association (ABA), about 400,000 people receive medical care each year for treatment related to burn injuries. There are currently eight ABA verified Burn Centers in Ohio, including at the MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland. 

You can read the text of Joyce’s resolution here. 

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