H.R. No. 1784
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Hemophilia and von Willebrand disease are types of
bleeding disorders that have been diagnosed in more than 1,100
Texans; and
WHEREAS, Hemophilia A, known as factor VIII deficiency, is
largely an inherited disorder in which one of the proteins needed to
form blood clots is missing or reduced; in some cases, however,
there is no family history of the disorder, and the condition is the
result of a spontaneous gene mutation; approximately one in 5,000
males born in the United States has hemophilia A; hemophilia B,
known as factor IX deficiency, is far less common than hemophilia A,
occurring in only about one in 25,000 male births; and
WHEREAS, When people with hemophilia are injured, they bleed
longer than those without hemophilia; small cuts or surface bruises
are usually not a problem, but more traumatic injuries may result in
serious problems and potential disability; the main treatment for
hemophilia involves regular injections or infusions of clotting
factor derived from donated human blood or from genetically
engineered products called recombinant clotting factors; and
WHEREAS, Von Willebrand disease is caused by a defect or
deficiency of a blood clotting protein and is estimated to occur in
one to two percent of the population; people with VWD usually bruise
easily, have recurrent nosebleeds, or bleed after tooth extraction
or other surgery, but depending on whether the disease is mild or
severe, there is a variety of treatments available; and
WHEREAS, Individuals with these diseases often face
challenges in accessing the appropriate care they need to lead
healthy and productive lives; they require access to the full range
of therapies, as well as to proper providers and designated centers
of excellence suitable to their unique health care needs; moreover,
they need options for pharmacies and home support services; and
WHEREAS, In 1973, the National Hemophilia Foundation
launched a two-year campaign to establish the creation of a
nationwide network of hemophilia diagnostic and treatment centers,
and today there are some 140 treatment centers and programs
throughout the country; access to comprehensive care has been shown
to markedly improve outcomes for individuals with bleeding
disorders; and
WHEREAS, Much work still needs to be done in behalf of people
with hemophilia and von Willebrand disease, and educating others is
a vital first step; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby promote greater public awareness of hemophilia
and von Willebrand disease and encourage all Texans to become
better informed of the particular needs of individuals with
bleeding disorders.
Maldonado
Villarreal
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1784 was adopted by the House on May
27, 2009, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House