Proclamations Proc. 7619 (NIH), improved medical treatments, and education. In fiscal year 2002, the NIH dedicated approximately $781 million to diabetes research. My Ad- ministration will continue to support NIH's important efforts in this area as well as other scientists and researchers who are working to prevent, manage, and cure this disease. Through the National Diabetes Education Program, a joint effort of the NIH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we are educating Americans about the diabetes risk factors and encouraging them to make simple changes in their life that will help them stay healthy and prevent this serious disease. We are also working with volunteers from the American Diabetes Association, }uvenile Diabetes Re- search Foundation, and other organizations to raise awareness of diabetes in our communities and to provide assistance for families who have loved ones with diabetes. As we observe National Diabetes Awareness Month, I encourage all Ameri- cans to help fight this disease by making healthy lifestyle choices and by providing support to those suffering from diabetes. We can help overcome diabetes and give hope and comfort to countless individuals in the United States and around the world. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2002 as National Diabetes Month. I call on all Americans to increase their awareness of the risk factors and symptoms related to diabetes and to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independ- ence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7619 of November 1, 2002 National Adoption Month, 2002 By the President of the United States of Arnerica A Proclamation Every year, thousands of American families are blessed by adoption. Whether through domestic or international adoption or through the adop- tion of children from foster care, the love of compassionate families em- braces children of all ages and from every background. During National Adoption Month, we recognize the heartfelt commitment of these good citi- zens, and we renew our pledge to make adoption a more accessible and positive path for American families. Children thrive in loving families where they are nurtured, comforted, and protected. We are making important progress in placing children in foster care with adoptive families; and the overall number of children being adopted continues to rise. In the past 5 years, adoptions have increased dramatically; and thus far in 2002, tens of thousands of children have al- ready been adopted. 169
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