By Naishtat H.R. No. 64 77R3991 MJS-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, Throughout the nation, Americans are seeking 1-2 innovative solutions to prevent blindness and help those affected 1-3 by this disability, and some of the most successful programs have 1-4 been those implemented by the Texas Commission for the Blind; and 1-5 WHEREAS, Enacted by the Texas Legislature in 1997, the 1-6 Blindness Education, Screening, and Treatment (BEST) Program 1-7 educates Texans who are at risk for blindness; in addition, its 1-8 initiatives include public vision screenings and providing 1-9 treatment for Lone Star State residents that lack the necessary 1-10 resources for medical eye care; and 1-11 WHEREAS, Spreading the word about the BEST Program through 1-12 public service announcements and other media, the Texas Commission 1-13 for the Blind has greatly increased the public's knowledge and 1-14 understanding of blindness; moreover, the organization's ongoing 1-15 efforts have raised awareness among groups that are more prone to 1-16 blindness; and 1-17 WHEREAS, January 2001 is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, 1-18 and in conjunction with this noteworthy occurrence, the Texas 1-19 Commission for the Blind is encouraging Texans who are at risk for 1-20 blindness to have an optical examination; and 1-21 WHEREAS, With its proactive approach to detecting blindness 1-22 and its commitment to serving persons who have impaired vision, the 1-23 Texas Commission for the Blind has made a positive impact 1-24 throughout the entire State of Texas, and it is most appropriate to 2-1 take this opportunity to pay tribute to this outstanding state 2-2 agency; now, therefore, be it 2-3 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas 2-4 Legislature hereby recognize the Texas Commission for the Blind for 2-5 its many good works and deeds and urge Texans to support the 2-6 agency's Blindness Education, Screening, and Treatment Program; 2-7 and, be it further 2-8 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-9 prepared for the Texas Commission for the Blind as a token of high 2-10 regard by the Texas House of Representatives.