Bill Text: NJ AJR57 | 2014-2015 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Designates April of each year as "Sarcoidosis Awareness Month."
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 6-2)
Status: (Passed) 2016-01-11 - Approved P.L.2015, JR-10. [AJR57 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2014-AJR57-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman ALISON LITTELL MCHOSE
District 24 (Morris, Sussex and Warren)
SYNOPSIS
Designates April of each year as "Sarcoidosis Awareness Month."
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution designating April of each year as "Sarcoidosis Awareness Month" in New Jersey.
Whereas, Sarcoidosis is a potentially fatal inflammatory disease that causes the immune system to damage the body's own tissue and can appear in almost any organ in the body, most commonly in the lungs and the lymph nodes; and
Whereas, Many people suffer from this disease in chronic and debilitating ways; and
Whereas, Individuals suffering from sarcoidosis exhibit symptoms of fever, fatigue, weight loss, night sweats, and an overall feeling of general malaise; and
Whereas, Some famous sufferers of sarcoidosis include Hall of Fame athletes Bill Russell and Reggie White and comedian Bernie Mac, who passed away as a result of sarcoidosis; and
Whereas, While some progress has been made in recognizing the symptoms of sarcoidosis and in diagnosis, the cause of this rare disease remains unknown; and
Whereas, Although prevalence rates for sarcoidosis can only be estimated because many with the disease go undiagnosed, the estimated prevalence rates in the United States range from one to 40 per 100,000 people; and
Whereas, Through increased research, quantifying the prevalence of the disease, discovering the causes, and improving the treatments, finding a cure for this debilitating disease may be well within reach; and
Whereas, With worldwide events scheduled to increase public awareness of the need to support individuals with sarcoidosis, April is an appropriate month to designate as "Sarcoidosis Awareness Month" to raise awareness of the need for more research funding and to educate the public on sarcoidosis; and
Whereas, Greater awareness and knowledge of sarcoidosis in the medical and lay communities would substantially benefit those affected and will ultimately help to find a cure for this deadly disease; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. April of each year is designated as "Sarcoidosis Awareness Month" in New Jersey to raise public awareness about sarcoidosis and to encourage private citizens, public officials, community-based organizations, governmental agencies, and businesses to show support for people living with the disease.
2. The Governor shall annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and the citizens of this State to observe "Sarcoidosis Awareness Month" with appropriate activities and programs.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This joint resolution designates April of each year as "Sarcoidosis Awareness Month" in New Jersey.
Sarcoidosis is a potentially fatal inflammatory disease that can appear any organ in the body, most commonly in the lungs and the lymph nodes. The symptoms of the disease have chronic and debilitating effects on many people, including Hall of Fame athletes Bill Russell and Reggie White and comedian Bernie Mac, who passed away as a result of sarcoidosis. Although some progress has been made in fighting the disease, the cause of sarcoidosis is still unknown. Increased research will aid in the efforts to quantify prevalence rates, discover the causes, improve treatments, and find a cure for sarcoidosis. Designating April as "Sarcoidosis Awareness Month" will help to raise awareness of the need for more research funding and educate the public.
