Senators Johnson, Hood, Jones, Gregory, Knezek, Hopgood, Smith, Ananich, Hertel and Warren offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 71.
A resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to pass H.R. 1807 of 2015, the Sickle Cell Disease Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment Act of 2015.
Whereas, Sickle cell disease in an inherited lifelong condition in which the body makes an altered form of hemoglobin resulting in abnormal, crescent-shaped red blood cells. The side effects of sickle cell disease include shortened life expectancy, chronic pain episodes, strokes, acute chest syndrome, organ damage, vision loss, and infections; and
Whereas, Sickle cell disease disproportionately impacts African Americans. There are significant ethnic and racial disparities within the United States health care system that has impacted the manner in which research funding has been directed toward effective treatment methods and the pursuit of a potential cure for this disease; and
Whereas, Coverage for treatment of sickle cell disease drops after the age of 19. Comprehensive medical services for adults with sickle cell disease is inadequate and fragmented. Many adults with sickle cell disease rely excessively on emergency room care to treat chronic pain; and
Whereas, H.R. 1807 strives to increase funding for research and surveillance on sickle cell disease, improve awareness, and increase access to treatment of sickle cell disease. The legislation also seeks to identify strategies for the prevention and treatment of sickle cell disease; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we memorialize the Congress of the United States to pass H.R. 1807 of 2015, the Sickle Cell Disease, Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment Act of 2015; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation