Expressing support for the designation of May 17, 2026, as "Necrotizing Enterocolitis Awareness Day".

This resolution expresses support for designating May 17, 2026, as Necrotizing Enterocolitis Awareness Day . It seeks to raise public awareness about Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), a devastating neonatal disease that is the most common cause of death in hospitalized premature infants after two weeks of age. NEC causes severe inflammation, leading to intestinal tissue damage, and often results in death or lifelong neurological and nutritional complications for survivors. The disease disproportionately affects premature babies and those with medical complications, incurring approximately $5 billion in hospitalization expenses annually in the United States. The resolution emphasizes that while NEC cannot be fully eliminated, preventative measures, such as mother's own milk or pasteurized donor human milk, are effective in reducing risks. It also calls for increased data collection to better understand the disease, addresses disparities in care affecting Black infants, and stresses the importance of family partnership in infant care.