Bill Text: MI SR0080 | 2019-2020 | 100th Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution to urge the United States Congress to increase funding for sickle cell disease research.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-1)
Status: (Passed) 2019-10-10 - Adopted [SR0080 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2019-SR0080-Enrolled.html
AS ADOPTED BY
SENATE, OCTOBER 10, 2019
senate Resolution No.80
Senator Santana, Bullock and Horn offered the following resolution:
Whereas, Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a disabling inherited blood disorder that causes the production of abnormally shaped (sickled) red blood cells that can stick together and block the flow of blood and oxygen. SCD leads to severe medical problems, including unpredictable episodes of excruciating pain, organ damage, anemia, increased susceptibility to infection, stroke, and decreased life span; and
Whereas, SCD poses a serious threat to public health. SCD affects approximately 100,000 individuals in the United States, including 1,000 babies born each year. The disease disproportionately impacts people of African, Middle Eastern, and South American descent. In 2016, there were approximately 134,000 hospital inpatient stays and nearly 250,000 emergency department visits related to SCD, both leading to increased medical costs; and
Whereas, There is no universal cure for SCD. Stem cell transplantation is currently the only cure, and it is not necessarily appropriate for all SCD patients. There have been advancements in treating the complications of SCD, but more research is needed to study emerging treatments, including therapies to address the underlying cause of the disease; and
Whereas, SCD research is underfunded compared to other rare inherited diseases, such as cystic fibrosis. Additional funding for SCD research is imperative to identify new treatments and cures to help patients with SCD and address the public health risks posed by the disease; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we urge the United States Congress to increase funding for sickle cell disease research; 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 members of the Michigan congressional delegation.
