Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility House adopts Matzie resolution designating April 2026 as ‘Limb Loss Awareness Month’ in Pennsylvania

House adopts Matzie resolution designating April 2026 as ‘Limb Loss Awareness Month’ in Pennsylvania

Recognizes more than 5.6 million Americans with limb loss, limb difference

Rep. Robert F. Matzie    April 23, 2026 | 10:15 AM

HARRISBURG, April 23 – The Pennsylvania House last week adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie’s resolution designating April 2026 as “Limb Loss Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania.

Matzie said he introduced H.R. 404 – which the House adopted by an overwhelming bipartisan majority on April 15 – to foster greater awareness about the multiple challenges faced by people who have lost a limb and those with a limb that is anatomically different in size, shape or structure compared to “typical” limbs.

“According to a recent study commissioned by the Amputee Coalition, there are more than 5.6 million people in the United States living with limb loss or limb difference,” said Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus. “Many of them successfully navigate jobs, household duties and family and social responsibilities despite multiple physical, psychological, financial and logistical challenges. I introduced this resolution to honor their courage and resilience.”

Matzie said he also introduced H.R. 404 to help people understand that the main cause of limb loss is preventable.

“People often associate limb amputations with traumatic injuries, but in fact the main cause is vascular disease, including diabetes and peripheral artery disease,” Matzie said. “That means that limb loss is preventable in many cases through the right lifestyle changes to address high blood pressure, high cholesterol, excess weight and other factors before amputation becomes necessary.”

More information about peripheral artery disease is available here: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/diabetes/diabetes-complications-and-risks/peripheral-artery-disease--diabetes