Designating September as Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month for a 10-year period beginning in 2019.
The passing of HCR117 serves to highlight the need for better healthcare access for individuals suffering from sickle cell disease, particularly among marginalized communities. Given that the disease disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic populations, this resolution is seen as an essential step in acknowledging these health disparities and promoting changes that could lead to better health outcomes. By designating a month specifically for awareness, the resolution aims to unite individuals and organizations to focus on advocacy efforts and education regarding sickle cell disease.
HCR117 is a House Concurrent Resolution that designates September as Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month in Texas for a ten-year period beginning in 2019. The resolution addresses the impact of sickle cell disease, a hereditary condition that affects blood cell shape and function, which can lead to severe health complications. This resolution aims to raise awareness and promote education regarding the disease, as well as advocate for improved medical care and treatments for those affected. The resolution reflects the ongoing challenges that sickle cell patients face, particularly in terms of health disparities linked to socioeconomic factors.
The sentiment around HCR117 appears to be overwhelmingly positive, as it garnered broad legislative support, evidenced by the House vote of 140 to 1 and a unanimous Senate approval. The resolution embodies a concerted effort to elevate public awareness about sickle cell disease and emphasizes the essential need for public support in improving healthcare for affected individuals. Supporters view the resolution as a crucial move towards addressing the longstanding neglect surrounding the disease and its impact on communities.
While there is general support for HCR117, potential contention may arise surrounding the effectiveness of awareness campaigns and access to healthcare resources. Some may argue that simply designating a month for awareness is insufficient without accompanying measures such as increased funding or resources dedicated to researching and treating sickle cell disease. Critics might advocate for a more robust legislative action that goes beyond awareness and addresses the systemic issues contributing to the health disparities faced by patients.