Mayor Marco Issues CHD Awareness Week Proclamation
Elkins, WV, February 4, 2026: Today, Mayor Jerry Marco issued a proclamation recognizing Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Week, which starts on February 7 and ends on February 14. This week in February, which national organizations including the Children’s Heart Foundation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Heart Association, and MendedHearts.org promote, raises awareness for the approximately one in 100 U.S. babies who are born with a congenital heart condition (CHD) each year.
Joining Mayor Marco during today’s ceremony at the Elkins Fire Department were members of the family of Silas Cooper, including his mother, Makenzie. The Cooper family, led by young Silas, first petitioned the City of Elkins to recognize this week in 2023.
“We are grateful to the Cooper family for doing their part to raise awareness of congenital heart disease,” said Marco. “Their advocacy has played a huge part in bringing attention to this cause and their efforts continue to make a meaningful impact on our community.”
According to the Children’s Heart Foundation, congenital heart defects (CHDs) are problems present at birth that affect the function and structure of the human heart. They vary in severity, from posing a minor health problem to ones that require surgery immediately after birth. Depending on the source cited, approximately one in 100 to 110 children are born with a CHD. That number equates to approximately 40,000 U.S. children born with a CHD annually, or one child born every 15 minutes. Most causes of CHDs are unknown.
Elkins residents: For more information on how to request a proclamation from the mayor’s office, visit https://cityofelkinswv.gov/city-government/administration/mayor/.
City Hall News: Week of March 8, 2026
Elkins, WV – March 8, 2026: The City of Elkins now offers residents and business owners free reflective address numbers. Please don’t let snow, fog, or darkness hide your home or business if first responders have to arrive on the scene in […]
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Elkins Seeks Ideas from the Public for the 250th Anniversary of the United States’ Independence
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Regional Task Force Hosts Public Forum, Highlights Prevention and Peer Support Initiatives
ELKINS, WV — February 20, 2026: The Regional Task Force on Homelessness, Addiction, and Mental Health held a public forum on February 12 to provide community updates on local efforts to combat addiction while expanding local resources. The meeting, held at the […]
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Mayor Jerry Marco Appointed to National League of Cities’ 2026 Small Cities Council
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