WHEREAS, child abuse involving head trauma, including, without limitation, the head trauma known as shaken baby syndrome, which is caused by the violent shaking of an infant or small child, is recognized as the leading cause of death of physically abused children; and

WHEREAS, shaken baby syndrome is an entirely preventable form of child abuse; and

WHEREAS, many severe and permanent physical, mental and emotional consequences may result from shaken baby syndrome, including brain damage, loss of vision, paralysis, seizures and death; and

WHEREAS, nationwide approximately 1,300 cases of Shaken Baby Syndrome/Abusive Head Trauma are reported each year and about 80% of surviving victims suffer lifelong disabilities; and

WHEREAS, educational programs have been shown to raise awareness and provide critically important preventative information about Shaken Baby Syndrome to parents, caregivers, daycare workers, employees of child protection agencies, law enforcement agencies, health care professionals and legal representatives; and

WHEREAS, the State of Nevada supports efforts to protect children from abuse and neglect and recognizes the importance of keeping children from abuse and neglect; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOE LOMBARDO, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, do hereby proclaim the week of April 16-22, 2023 as

SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME AWARENESS WEEK IN NEVADA