HOUSE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING MARCH OF 2026, AS "BLEEDING DISORDERS AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

H8258

2026 -- H 8258
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LC003527
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N
PROCLAIMING MARCH OF 2026, AS "BLEEDING DISORDERS AWARENESS MONTH"
IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By:
Representatives Donovan, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Fellela,
Ajello, Diaz, Ackerman, Alzate, and Tanzi

Date Introduced:
March 10, 2026

Referred To:
House read and passed
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WHEREAS, In March of 2016, the United States Department of Health and Human
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Services approved the inclusion of Bleeding Disorders Month on its National Observances
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Calendar. Subsequently, March of each year is now nationally recognized as "Bleeding Disorders
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Awareness Month" in the United States; and
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WHEREAS, The designation formalized and expanded upon the original recognition of
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March, 1986, as "Hemophilia Awareness Month" by President Ronald Reagan; and
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WHEREAS, These bleeding disorders, which share a common factor in the body's
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inability to form a proper blood clot, are characterized by extended bleeding and can lead to
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significant morbidity and fatality if not treated effectively; and
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WHEREAS, Many individuals with hemophilia became infected with HIV and Hepatitis
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C in the 1980s due to the contamination of the blood supply and blood products; and
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WHEREAS, Awareness during this month will generate greater understanding not only
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for hemophilia but for all inheritable bleeding disorders, including Von Willebrand Disease,
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which alone impacts an estimated 3.2 million Americans; with an estimated 33,000 individuals
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suffering from hemophilia; and
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WHEREAS, Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month will also foster a greater sense of
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community and shared purpose among individuals with all inheritable bleeding disorders and will
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elevate awareness of and engagement in the inheritable bleeding disorders journey beyond our
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community to the general public, enabling the prevention of illness, unnecessary procedures, and

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disability; now, therefore be it
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RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby
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proclaims March of 2026, as "Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month" in the State of Rhode
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Island; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
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transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Richard Pezzillo, Executive Director, New
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England Hemophilia Association.
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