R 125
2022 -- H 7590
Enacted 03/01/2022

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

     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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LC004258
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