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Councilmember Charles Allen Councilmember Trayon White, Sr. 2
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Councilmember Christina Henderson Councilmember Janeese Lewis George 6
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Councilmember Matthew Frumin Councilmember Vincent Gray 10
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Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau Councilmember Robert C. White, Jr. 14
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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION 18
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IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 21
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To recognize the need to raise awareness for rare diseases, honor rare disease patients and 24
families in the District, thank the National Organization for Rare Disorders and rare 25
disease advocacy groups for their tireless work, and declare February 28, 2023 as Rare 26
Disease Day in the District of Columbia. 27
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WHEREAS, there are over 7,000 rare diseases that have currently been identified; 29
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WHEREAS, a disease is considered a rare disease when fewer than 1 in 2,000 people are 31
affected by it; 32
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WHEREAS, 300 million people worldwide are currently living with a rare disease, or 34
between 3.5 and 5.9% of the population. It is estimated that 25-30 million Americans are living 35
with a rare disease; 36
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WHEREAS, because rare disease research is underfunded, over 90% of rare diseases 38
have no FDA-approved treatment available. 39
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WHEREAS, the National Organization for Rare Disorders, or NORD, is the largest 41
patient advocacy organization in the United States for individuals affected by rare diseases. 42
NORD is comprised of over 330 nonprofit member organizations nationally. 43
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WHEREAS, Rare Disease Day is celebrated annually on the last day of February and 45
recognized in over 100 countries worldwide; 46 47
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this 48
resolution may be cited as the “Rare Disease Day Recognition Resolution of 2023”. 49
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Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes the need to raise awareness 51
for rare diseases, honors rare disease patients and families in the District, thanks the National 52
Organization for Rare Disorders and rare disease advocacy groups for their tireless work, and 53
declares February 28, 2023 as Rare Disease Day in the District of Columbia. 54
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Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon the first date of publication in 56
the District of Columbia Register. 57