85R8399 BK-D
By: Sheffield H.R. No. 177
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Bleeding disorders, including hemophilia and von
Willebrand disease, are genetic disorders that prevent the blood of
sufferers from clotting properly, leading to debilitating and
potentially fatal bleeding episodes; and
WHEREAS, About 20,000 people in the United States are
estimated to be affected with hemophilia, which results from a
missing or deficient protein needed for blood clotting; an X-linked
recessive trait, hemophilia is primarily found in males; and
WHEREAS, The most common bleeding disorder, von Willebrand
disease, also results from a defective blood protein but is
typically milder than hemophilia; it is believed to affect up to one
percent of the U.S. population, and many individuals, particularly
women, go undiagnosed; and
WHEREAS, Bleeding disorders can vary greatly in severity,
with the most serious cases of hemophilia carrying the risk of
excessive bleeding from accidents and surgeries, in addition to
long-term damage to organs, tissues, and joints from internal
bleeding over time; in recent decades, new medical developments and
donor screening measures have greatly improved the safety and
effectiveness of treatments such as factor replacement therapy,
which can help patients to live normal, healthy lives; and
WHEREAS, In 2016, the National Hemophilia Foundation
declared March as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month; this
initiative is supported by Texas-based groups such as the Texas
Bleeding Disorders Coalition, which is encouraging residents to
participate in the Red Tie Challenge to help start a conversation
about inheritable bleeding disorders and to promote advocacy for
people who are living with bleeding disorders all over the world;
and
WHEREAS, While science and medicine have advanced greatly in
the treatment of bleeding disorders, increased public awareness is
needed to help ease the heavy financial burden and improve the
quality of life of patients, and Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month
provides an opportune time to join together in support of these
worthy goals; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize March 2017 as Bleeding Disorders
Awareness Month and urge all Texans to learn more about these
conditions.