R 209
2016 -- H 8156
Enacted 05/04/2016

H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N
PROCLAIMING MAY 1ST - 7TH, 2016, AS "RHODE ISLAND MELANOMA AWARENESS WEEK"

Introduced By: Representatives Blazejewski, Kennedy, and Barros
Date Introduced: May 04, 2016

     WHEREAS, Skin cancer is a serious problem for people who spend significant time in
the sun outdoors and/or from ultraviolet light from tanning beds; and
     WHEREAS, Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer and the most common
form of cancer for young adults age 25-29; and
     WHEREAS, Melanoma rates have doubled in Rhode Island since 1991; and
     WHEREAS, On average, one American dies of melanoma every hour; and
     WHEREAS, Advocacy, increased awareness, and screening will result in meaningful
reduction of the burden of skin cancer; and
     WHEREAS, Members of The Partnership to Reduce Cancer in Rhode Island and the
Department of Dermatology at Roger Williams Medical Center are diligently working to raise
awareness about the dangers of sun exposure, to promote safe sun behaviors, to recognize and
treat melanoma as early as possible, when it is still curable, and to accomplish the objectives
within the 2013-2018 Rhode Island Cancer Prevention and Control Plan; and
     WHEREAS, Across the country, the month of May is designated as National Melanoma
Awareness Month; now, therefore be it
     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and
Providence Plantations hereby proclaims May 1st - 7th, 2016, as "Rhode Island Melanoma
Awareness Week" and encourages all residents to learn more about the prevention and detection
of skin cancer; and be it further
     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Judy Cerrito, Director, Partnership to Reduce
Cancer in Rhode Island, and Thomas M. Ruenger, Chairman of the Department of Dermatology
at Roger Williams Medical Center.
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LC005876
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