R 195
99-S 1012
Enacted 5/6/99


S E N A T E    R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING MAY 15TH - 22ND AS ALPHA I AWARENESS WEEK IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Senators Kelly and Cote

Date Introduced : May 6, 1999

WHEREAS, Alpha I Antitrypsin Deficiency (AIAD) is a genetic disease of the liver and lungs that results from a lack of the protein in a person's blood, which protects the lungs from germs, dust, air pollution, smoke and other inhaled irritants; and

WHEREAS, It is seen as a liver disease in infants and early childhood; in adults, the disease often leads to early onset emphysema, though it is often misdiagnosed as asthma, chronic bronchitis or early-onset chronic obstructive pulmonary disease due to lack of knowledge or understanding about this disease; and

WHEREAS, Alpha I is particularly devastating to families as it strikes at the peak earning and child-rearing years, and occurs as frequently as cystic fibrosis, 1 in every 2,500 live births, in the United States while only 4,000 have been identified; and

WHEREAS, May will be proclaimed nationally as National Alpha I Awareness Month and screenings, conferences and events will be held and also help raise awareness for early detection and organ donors as lung and/or liver transplantation is an option sought by many individuals as their disease progresses; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations hereby proclaims May 15th - 22nd as Alpha I Awareness Week throughout the state of Rhode Island and urge all citizens to become better acquainted with this disease and its consequences for many individuals and families in Rhode Island.



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