House Concurrent Resolution 32

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION DESIGNATING APRIL 2021 AS SARCOIDOSIS AWARENESS MONTH IN MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, with an unknown cause, sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that can affect almost any organ of the body, but it most commonly affects the lungs; and

WHEREAS, sarcoidosis causes the immune system to overreact, causing damage to tissue in the form of granulomas, which are microscopic clumps of inflammatory cells that cause interference with the functioning of an organ when an excess amount of these granulomas form in that organ; and

WHEREAS, as a multisystem disorder, sarcoidosis's symptoms vary depending on which organ is affected, and one-third of individuals diagnosed with sarcoidosis will experience damage to multiple organs; and

WHEREAS, sarcoidosis is classified as a rare disease, but there are an estimated 200,000 individuals in the United States who live with sarcoidosis; and

WHEREAS, though it affects all demographics, regardless of age, race, or gender, sarcoidosis is most common among adults between the ages of 20 and 40, and more likely to be severe and chronic in African Americans; and

WHEREAS, unfortunately, sarcoidosis was the first diagnosis for an overwhelming majority of rescue workers responding to the site of the attacks on September 11, 2001; and

WHEREAS, due to the diverse presentation of sarcoidosis and the lack of knowledge of the disease among some physicians, patients are often left undertreated or misdiagnosed; and

WHEREAS, the average time it takes to diagnose sarcoidosis is seven years, and many sarcoidosis patients struggle to find knowledgeable physicians and emotional support resources relating to this awful illness; and

WHEREAS, treatment options for sarcoidosis are limited due in part to the lack of informative research and funding specific to sarcoidosis; and

WHEREAS, the Sarcoidosis of Long Island and the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research actively advocates for more research to better understand how environmental or occupational exposures may increase the risk of sarcoidosis; and strives to serve individuals afflicted by this disease by focusing efforts related to sarcoidosis on public policy, research, funding, patient services, public awareness, education, and finding a cure; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize important health issues, such as sarcoidosis, that impact many Mississippians, and as such, it is appropriate to designate

April 2021 as Sarcoidosis Awareness Month in Mississippi, and encourage events to increase public awareness of the need to support individuals with sarcoidosis, raise awareness of the environmental and occupational issues associated with sarcoidosis and educate medical professionals who care for individuals with sarcoidosis:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby designate April 2021 as Sarcoidosis Awareness Month in Mississippi.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.