25.3030.01000
Sixty-ninth
Legislative Assembly
of North Dakota
Introduced by
Representatives Rohr, K. Anderson, Dobervich, Frelich, McLeod, Meier, M. Ruby
Senators Dwyer, Hogue, Myrdal
A concurrent resolution urging public health, health care systems, and health care providers to
prioritize primary prevention in addressing vitamin D deficiency through multifaceted precision
public health and medicine approaches.
WHEREAS, vitamin D is generated primarily from the sun and research demonstrates the
need for regional sun exposure and vitamin D recommendations to offset individual and
population health risk factors for disease; and
WHEREAS, North Dakota is located at a latitude of 48 degrees and has an ultraviolet index
of less than three for up to 6 months of the year due to the solar zenith, from October to April,
which limits the vitamin D generating potential from sun exposure; and
WHEREAS, this environmental determinant of health puts all residents of the state at risk
for vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency compared to citizens of the United States in southern
latitudes, potentially leading to suboptimal health outcomes and increased health care costs for
residents; and
WHEREAS, research indicates it is difficult to achieve the daily recommended intake of
vitamin D from foods alone and there is a causal relationship between vitamin D deficiency and
all cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, dementia, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and many
types of cancer, including breast, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers; and
WHEREAS, research indicates an association between vitamin D deficiency and emotional
regulation, mental health conditions including Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia,
suicide and suicidal ideation, depression, and opioid addiction; and
WHEREAS, research indicates an association between vitamin D deficiency and
autoimmune disease, myocardial infarction, and stroke;
WHEREAS, research indicates adequate vitamin D intake results in improved prenatal and
neonatal outcomes, including reducing the risk for pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and
preterm birth; and
Page No. 1 25.3030.01000
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 3014
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25 Sixty-ninth
Legislative Assembly
WHEREAS, research indicates women with 25(OH)D serum concentrations equal to or
greater than 60 nanograms per milliliter had an 80 percent lower risk of breast cancer than
women with concentrations of less than 20 nanograms per millileter; and
WHEREAS, research indicates vitamin D supplementation and sensible sun exposure
safely and effectively increase vitamin D serum concentrations; and
WHEREAS, the Legislative Assembly advocates for statewide educational campaigns
aimed at increasing awareness of vitamin D deficiency; its risks; the importance of adequate
vitamin D levels, particularly for pregnant individuals, children, and those with mental health
concerns; and other heightened risk factors for the public and health care professionals;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF
NORTH DAKOTA, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN:
That the Sixty-ninth Legislative Assembly urges North Dakota public health, health care
systems, and health care providers to prioritize primary prevention in addressing vitamin D
deficiency through multifaceted precision public health and medicine approaches that recognize
both regional and individual determinants of health in diverse populations across the lifespan to
improve patient outcomes, population health, and decrease overall health care costs; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED , that the Sixty-ninth Legislative Assembly urges the State
Health Officer to publish this resolution on the official website of the department of health and
human services; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED , that the Secretary of State forward copies of this resolution
to the State Health Officer, North Dakota public health units, American Hospital Association,
North Dakota Long Term Care Association, North Dakota Medical Association, North Dakota
Nurses Association, North Dakota Nurse Practitioner Association, North Dakota University
System institutions of higher education, North Dakota private universities, and the North Dakota
Department of Public Instruction.
Page No. 2 25.3030.01000
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