Pennsylvania HR 388: A Resolution designating February 2, 2026, as "Rheumatoid Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 2752
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No. 388
Session of
2026
INTRODUCED BY MATZIE, HARKINS, CONKLIN, COOPER, CEPEDA-FREYTIZ,
HOHENSTEIN, SHUSTERMAN, PROBST, MADDEN, VENKAT, HILL-EVANS,
GUZMAN, SANCHEZ, RIVERA, FREEMAN AND HEFFLEY, JANUARY 9, 2026
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, JANUARY 9, 2026
A RESOLUTION
Designating February 2, 2026, as "Rheumatoid Awareness Day" in
Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive inflammatory
disease causing damage to joint and organ tissues, resulting in
severe pain, frequent disability and increased mortality; and
WHEREAS, Rheumatoid arthritis, also known as rheumatoid
disease, affects approximately 1% of the world's population,
with more than 1.3 million Americans currently diagnosed; and
WHEREAS, Common symptoms of rheumatoid disease include joint
pain, fatigue, fevers, stiffness, hoarseness and dry eyes; and
WHEREAS, There is a lack of awareness about rheumatoid
disease since it is often presumed to be a type of arthritis,
leading to problems with disability accommodations, clinical
care, health care reimbursement and research funding; and
WHEREAS, The Mayo Clinic states that rheumatoid arthritis
patients have a 50% higher risk of heart attack, twice the risk
of heart failure and an increase in peripheral vascular disease
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than people who do not have rheumatoid arthritis; and
WHEREAS, The lifetime risk of developing the disease is 3.6%
for women and 1.7% for men; and
WHEREAS, "Rheumatoid Awareness Day" comes at the start of
"American Heart Month," underscoring the impact rheumatoid
disease has on the heart prior to diagnosis; and
WHEREAS, The Rheumatoid Patient Foundation recognizes
February 2, 2026, as "Rheumatoid Awareness Day" in order to
increase public awareness of the disease; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate
February 2, 2026, as "Rheumatoid Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania.
20260HR0388PN2752 - 2 -
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