2022 -- H 7590

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2022

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING MARCH OF 2022, AS "BLEEDING DISORDERS AWARENESS MONTH"

IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Representatives Vella-Wilkinson, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, C Lima,
Perez, Williams, Filippi, Solomon, Fellela, and Diaz

     Date Introduced: March 01, 2022

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, In March of 2016, the United States Department of Health and Human

Services approved the inclusion of Bleeding Disorders Month on its National Observances

Calendar. Subsequently, March of each year is now nationally recognized as "Bleeding Disorders

Awareness Month" in the United States; and

     WHEREAS, The designation formalized and expanded upon the original recognition of

March, 1986, as "Hemophilia Awareness Month" by President Ronald Reagan; and

     WHEREAS, These bleeding disorders, which share a common factor in the body's

inability to form a proper blood clot, are characterized by extended bleeding and can lead to

significant morbidity and fatality if not treated effectively; and

     WHEREAS, Many individuals with hemophilia became infected with HIV and Hepatitis

C in the 1980s due to the contamination of the blood supply and blood products; and

     WHEREAS, This Awareness Month will generate greater understanding not only for

hemophilia but for all inheritable bleeding disorders, including von Willebrand Disease, which

alone impacts an estimated 3.2 million Americans; with an estimated 1,100 individuals suffering

from hemophilia and other inheritable bleeding disorders in Rhode Island; and

     WHEREAS, This Awareness Month will also foster a greater sense of community and

shared purpose among individuals with all inheritable bleeding disorders and will elevate

awareness of and engagement in the inheritable bleeding disorders journey beyond our

community to the general public, enabling the prevention of illness, unnecessary procedures, and

disability; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

proclaims March of 2022, as "Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month" in the State of Rhode

Island; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Richard Pezzillo, Executive Director, New

England Hemophilia Association.

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