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H8583
2026 -- H 8583
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LC006042
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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 THE MONTH OF MAY 2026 AS "ASTHMA AND ALLERGY
AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
Introduced By:
Representatives Edwards, Blazejewski, Kazarian, Chippendale, Bennett,
Kennedy, Azzinaro, Shanley, Diaz, and Potter
Date Introduced:
May 26, 2026
Referred To:
House read and passed
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WHEREAS, Asthma and allergic diseases are chronic, potentially life-altering conditions
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that affect millions of Americans and thousands of Rhode Islanders; and
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WHEREAS, Since 1984, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has
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designated the month of May as “National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month” to raise public
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understanding of asthma, allergic diseases, triggers, and treatment options; and
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WHEREAS, More than 100 million people in the United States live with asthma and/or
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allergies, including over 28 million Americans with asthma, 20 million with food allergies, and
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81 million with nasal allergies. While individuals may have more than one of these conditions,
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these statistics highlight the widespread impact of respiratory and immune conditions nationwide.
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Additionally, most deaths related to asthma and allergies are preventable with proper care and
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management; and
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WHEREAS, According to the most recent data from the United States Centers for
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Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 26.8 million Americans (about 8.2%) have
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current asthma, including more than 4.5 million children and 22.2 million adults, underscoring
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the significant public health burden of this condition; and
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WHEREAS, Rhode Island residents are similarly affected by asthma, with state data
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indicating that an estimated 24.8% of adults with current asthma have ongoing symptoms, and
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that a proportion of Rhode Islanders experience asthma triggered or worsened by occupational
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exposures. Providence ranked 10th in the most challenging U.S. cities for living with asthma in
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2024 according to the AAFA; and
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WHEREAS, Asthma remains a leading cause of school absenteeism and health care
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utilization among children nationwide, and allergic diseases, including rhinitis and food allergies,
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contributes to significant morbidity, decreased quality of life, and economic costs for families and
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communities; and
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WHEREAS, Raising awareness, enhancing education about environmental triggers such
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as air pollution and allergens, promoting early diagnosis, improving access to effective health
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care, and supporting research and evidence-based prevention and treatment strategies are essential
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to reducing the burden of asthma and allergies; 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 the Month of May 2026 as "Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month" in the State of
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Rhode Island and urges Rhode Islanders of all ages to observe this month with appropriate
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awareness, education, and outreach activities designed to improve the health and well-being of
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individuals living with asthma and allergic diseases; 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 Kenneth Mendez, President and CEO of the
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Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).
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LC006042
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