WHEREAS, Asthma is a long-term, inflammatory disease in which the airways of the lungs constrict causing wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and coughing; and

WHEREAS, Asthma has reached epidemic proportions in the United States affecting about 17 million people of all ages and races, particularly children; and

WHEREAS, According to a United States Department of Health and Human Services report, between 1980 and 1994, there were an alarming 8,000 to 26,000 new cases of asthma in preschool aged children each year. Today, an average of 1 in 13 school aged children has asthma; and

WHEREAS, Exposure to environment triggers commonly found in homes and schools such as dust mites, mold, pet dander, cockroaches, and second-hand smoke may possibly cause the onset of asthma in some individuals; and

WHEREAS, May is "Asthma Awareness Month"; and

WHEREAS, The Global Initiative has designated May 7, 2002 as "World Asthma Day" for Asthma, a joint project between the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute at the National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organizations; and

WHEREAS, Organizations throughout the world are working together to develop special activities to increase public awareness of the seriousness of asthma and the actions that can be taken to improve asthma care and management; and

WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Society for Respiratory Care (RISRC) is joining the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other federal and non-profit organizations in sponsoring asthma education events throughout the country in order to raise awareness about the indoor and outdoor pollutants that trigger asthma episodes and how to avoid them; and

WHEREAS, Hundreds of asthma education events will take place in schools, libraries, health clinics, hospitals and state capitols throughout the country during the month of May; and

WHEREAS, The RISRC is hosting a 5K run/walk on May 5, 2002. Respiratory therapists will be available to perform free pulmonary screening tests and provide asthma education. Pharmaceutical companies will display their products and answer any questions; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby proclaims May 7, 2002 as "World Asthma Day" in the State of Rhode Island. We urge all Rhode Islanders to support the efforts of asthma awareness and education in our State. Working together, we can help families take control of asthma; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he is hereby authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Rhode Island Society for Respiratory Care.