Pennsylvania HR 8: A Resolution recognizing the month of September 2025 as "Alopecia Areata Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 97
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No. 8
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY MARCELL, McNEILL, KENYATTA AND VENKAT,
JANUARY 14, 2025
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, JANUARY 14, 2025
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the month of September 2025 as "Alopecia Areata
Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Alopecia areata affects as many as 7 million people
in America and causes hair loss, which can range from patches of
hair, typically circular and coin-size, to complete hair loss;
and
WHEREAS, Alopecia areata affects people of all ages and
ethnic groups; and
WHEREAS, There are three types of alopecia areata; and
WHEREAS, Alopecia areata patchy is the most common form,
which causes the formation of one or more coin-sized hairless
patches on the scalp or other areas of the body; and
WHEREAS, Alopecia totalis causes a total loss of the hair on
the scalp; and
WHEREAS, Alopecia universalis causes complete loss of hair on
the scalp, face and body; and
WHEREAS, While there is no known cause for this autoimmune
disease, some evidence shows that genes that control T regulator
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cells may be involved in alopecia areata, and patients who have
other autoimmune diseases, such as autoimmune polyglandular
syndrome or autoimmune thyroid disease, may be predictive of
poor outcomes with treatment; and
WHEREAS, Although there is no known cure, it is generally
possible for alopecia areata patients to regrow hair because the
hair follicle is not totally destroyed or scarred; and
WHEREAS, Hair loss often carries a stigma that can only be
dispelled with education and knowledge, and, for many with this
disease, the emotional aspect of living with hair loss can be
the greatest challenge; and
WHEREAS, During the month of September, many communities
across America will be holding special events to bring awareness
to this disease; and
WHEREAS, Organizations are continuously supporting research
that may one day put an end to this disease; and
WHEREAS, Currently, researchers are studying the development
of hair follicles in hopes of finding treatments that will
address the cause of this disease and investigating genetic
clues with the hopes of developing therapies and early
intervention strategies; and
WHEREAS, Fortunately, alopecia areata is not a life-
threatening illness, nor is it painful or contagious, and most
people with this disease are generally healthy; and
WHEREAS, Alopecia areata does not interfere with life or
long-term plans and, while the course of the disease varies and
is generally unpredictable, hair often regrows; and
WHEREAS, There are treatments that can help restart hair
regrowth, and hair replacement can ease the emotional struggles
for those who have less than optimal regrowth; and
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WHEREAS, There is a need for enhanced public awareness and
education regarding alopecia areata; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the
month of September 2025 as "Alopecia Areata Awareness Month" in
Pennsylvania; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives encourage people
in this Commonwealth to become better informed about and aware
of alopecia areata.
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