Bill Text: NJ AJR108 | 2014-2015 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Designates May of each year as "Asthma Awareness Month."
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 8-0)
Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2015-05-18 - Received in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee [AJR108 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2014-AJR108-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman ELIZABETH MAHER MUOIO
District 15 (Hunterdon and Mercer)
Assemblyman REED GUSCIORA
District 15 (Hunterdon and Mercer)
Assemblyman DANIEL R. BENSON
District 14 (Mercer and Middlesex)
Assemblyman TIM EUSTACE
District 38 (Bergen and Passaic)
Assemblywoman NANCY J. PINKIN
District 18 (Middlesex)
SYNOPSIS
Designates May of each year as "Asthma Awareness Month."
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution designating May of each year as "Asthma Awareness Month" in New Jersey.
Whereas, Asthma is a chronic disease characterized by inflammation of the airways of the lungs; this inflammation may be exacerbated during an attack, resulting in symptoms that include coughing, shortness of breath or trouble breathing, wheezing, and feelings of tightness or pain in the chest; and
Whereas, Asthma attacks, which may be mild, moderate, serious, or even life-threatening, can be triggered by exposure to pollen, dust, animal dander, smoke, cold air, exercise, air pollutants, household and industrial products, and infection; and
Whereas, It is not known what causes asthma, and the triggers and symptoms of the disease vary from person to person. Studies suggest that a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including workplace exposure to irritants and seasonal exposure to allergens, may play a role; and
Whereas, Asthma affects 18.7 million adults and 6.8 million children nationwide, and in New Jersey it is estimated that more than 572,000 adults and 174,000 children have the disease. Approximately nine people die from asthma each day in the U.S., and more than 3,000 Americans die from asthma each year; and
Whereas, African Americans are disproportionately impacted by asthma: the asthma prevalence rate is 35% higher for African Americans as compared with Caucasians, and the hospitalization and age-adjusted death rates are nearly three times as high. The cause of these disparities, which are evident at all age levels, is not known; and
Whereas, The annual cost associated with asthma in the U.S., which includes direct health care costs, missed work, missed school, and lost productivity, is estimated to be $56 billion; and
Whereas, Although there is no cure for asthma, the disease may be managed through an "asthma action plan," which often includes a combination of short-term medications, long-term medications, avoidance of triggers, and monitoring of symptoms. Because asthma can change over time, it is important for individuals to track their signs and symptoms and work closely with a doctor to adjust treatment as necessary; and
Whereas, Untreated asthma can result in severe, long-term lung damage, and people who do not follow an asthma action plan are more likely to seek treatment through repeated visits to hospital emergency departments; and
Whereas, Studies have identified a disparity among new immigrants and residents of inner cities, as well as in certain racial and ethnic populations, with regard to accessing treatment, following treatment protocols, monitoring symptoms, and routinely meeting with a physician. These disparities, which may be caused by cultural obstacles, lack of access to health care, or poverty, suggest that alternative strategies are necessary to better reach and improve treatment outcomes within these populations; and
Whereas, Enhanced awareness of asthma, including the importance of establishing a partnership with a physician to develop an asthma action plan, will help improve access to treatment and treatment outcomes, and result in better health and a better quality of life for people living with the disease; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. May of each year is designated as "Asthma Awareness Month" in New Jersey to increase public awareness of asthma, emphasize the importance of ongoing treatment and monitoring of the disease, and improve access to treatment throughout the State.
2. The Governor shall annually issue a proclamation and call upon public officials, private organizations, and all citizens of this State to observe "Asthma Awareness Month" with appropriate activities and programs.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This resolution designates May of each year as "Asthma Awareness Month" in New Jersey, and requires the Governor to annually issue a proclamation and call upon public officials, private organizations, and all citizens of the State to observe the month with appropriate activities and programs.
Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterized by inflammation of the airways. The exact causes of asthma are not known, and the signs, symptoms, and severity of the disease vary from person to person. It is important for each person who has asthma to form a close partnership with a physician to develop an "asthma action plan" for treatment, and to actively monitor the signs and symptoms of the disease to adjust treatment as necessary.
It is the sponsor's belief that designating May as Asthma Awareness Month will help increase awareness of the disease, underscore the importance of active treatment and monitoring, and improve access to treatment throughout the State.
