Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HR182

Introduced
4/7/25  
Refer
4/7/25  

Caption

Recognizing the month of June 2025 as "Scleroderma Awareness Month" and June 29, 2025, as "World Scleroderma Day" in Pennsylvania.

Impact

By establishing an official month and day dedicated to scleroderma awareness, HR182 aims to foster knowledge about the disease which, despite its rarity, poses significant health challenges. This recognition can potentially drive more attention towards research efforts, treatment options, and resources for individuals suffering from the illness. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of raising awareness about rare diseases, helping to build a community of support for both patients and their families while pushing for more comprehensive healthcare policies addressing such conditions.

Summary

House Resolution 182 (HR182) seeks to recognize June 2025 as 'Scleroderma Awareness Month' and specifically June 29, 2025, as 'World Scleroderma Day' in Pennsylvania. The resolution is intended to raise public awareness about scleroderma, a rare autoimmune disease that leads to the hardening and tightening of skin and can affect internal organs, including blood vessels, the gastrointestinal tract, heart, and lungs. The initiative aims to educate individuals about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for this condition, which currently affects about 300,000 people in the U.S., with a pronounced impact on women and African Americans.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR182 is generally positive, with supporters highlighting the critical need for awareness surrounding rare diseases like scleroderma. Many view this resolution as a necessary step towards enhancing public knowledge and fostering empathy for those affected. However, as with any health-related legislation, there may be some individuals or groups who feel that awareness efforts should also be accompanied by more substantial funding or initiatives focused on treatment and research development.

Contention

While the resolution itself is primarily about awareness rather than legislative changes, potential points of contention could arise around the allocation of state resources for awareness campaigns versus treatment funding. There are various opinions on how much emphasis should be placed on awareness compared to research funding, which is crucial for developing new therapies and cures for conditions like scleroderma.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HR471

Recognizing the month of June 2024 as "Scleroderma Awareness Month" and June 29, 2024, as "World Scleroderma Day" in Pennsylvania.

PA HR123

Recognizing June 29, 2023, as "World Scleroderma Day" in Pennsylvania.

PA HR484

Recognizing the month of June 2024 as "Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

PA SR313

Recognizing the month of June 2024 as "Migraine and Headache Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

PA SR299

Recognizing the month of May 2024 as "Celiac Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

PA HR251

Recognizing the month of May 2024 as "ALSP Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

PA HR433

Recognizing May 17, 2024, as "World Neurofibromatosis Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania.

PA HR155

Recognizing the month of June 2023 as "National Aphasia Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

PA HR477

Recognizing June 14, 2024, as "World Blood Donor Day" in Pennsylvania.

PA HR33

Recognizing the month of July 2023 as "Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

Similar Bills

CA ACR99

Scleroderma Awareness Day.

PA HR123

Recognizing June 29, 2023, as "World Scleroderma Day" in Pennsylvania.

PA HR471

Recognizing the month of June 2024 as "Scleroderma Awareness Month" and June 29, 2024, as "World Scleroderma Day" in Pennsylvania.

NY K00629

Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2025, as Scleroderma Awareness Month in the State of New York

MI HR0086

A resolution to declare April 2023 as Sjogren's Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.

MI HR0225

A resolution to declare April 2024 as Sjogren's Syndrome Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.

VA HJR397

Celebrating the life of Robert Lane Saget.

DE SCR103

Recognizing November 2025 As "autoimmune Disease Awareness Month" In The State Of Delaware.