K 521: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 3, 2025, as Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Awareness Day in the State of New York

 Assembly Resolution No. 521 BY: M. of A. Solages MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 3, 2025, as Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Awareness Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official days that are set aside to increase awareness of health issues that affect the lives of children of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 3, 2025, as Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) Awareness Day in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, JIA Awareness Day was established to raise awareness of this devastating childhood disorder and promote wellness among those children affected; and WHEREAS, JIA is a disease that affects one in 1,000 young children in the United States and impacts their lives negatively; and WHEREAS, If people in our community are educated about JIA they may recognize the symptoms earlier which can help lead to a quicker diagnosis and initiation of treatment; and WHEREAS, There are less than 350 pediatric rheumatologists in the United States which means that patients may not have access to the type of doctor they need to treat JIA; and WHEREAS, Recognizing that there are so few pediatric rheumatologists, the state should encourage future doctors to get training and specialize in this field of medicine to be able to treat more patients with JIA; and WHEREAS, JIA medications can cost thousands of dollars a year and may not be covered by insurance, therefore, it is not affordable for all families; and WHEREAS, It is important for people to have access to medication and physical therapy to reduce pain and swelling in order to properly manage JIA; and WHEREAS, Every child of New York State with JIA deserves access to high-quality treatment by a pediatric rheumatologist that is covered by insurance; and WHEREAS, It is important that there be greater public awareness of JIA and more must be done to improve joint health for all children in New York, including patient access to early detection and intervention by healthcare professionals in the process of identification and treatment of JIA; and now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 3, 2025, as Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Awareness Day in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York; the New York State Department of Health; and to members of the affected community.