2026 -- H 8306

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LC006078

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING MARCH OF 2026 TO BE "MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AWARENESS

MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Representatives Alzate, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Kennedy, DeSimone,
Batista, Felix, Hull, Furtado, and Sanchez

     Date Introduced: March 17, 2026

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central

nervous system, affecting approximately one million individuals in the United States.

Approximately 10,000 new cases of Multiple Sclerosis are diagnosed in the United States each

year, and the disease is more prevalent in women than men; and

     WHEREAS, Multiple Sclerosis causes damage to the central nervous system when

overactive immune cells attack myelin, the protective covering of nerve fibers, resulting in

inflammation which, over time, causes lesions that harden into scar tissue, known as "sclerosis";

and

     WHEREAS, Multiple Sclerosis is characterized by unpredictable symptoms such as

fatigue, numbness, weakness, cognitive impairments such as optic neuritis and mobility

challenges, which often lead to significant disability; and

     WHEREAS, While there are a variety of treatments available to slow the progression of

Multiple Sclerosis, there are currently no treatments that can stop or reverse the damage caused

by the disease. Damage to the central nervous system can occur even before an individual

experiences symptoms, therefore the best chance to reduce long-term disability is during the early

phase of the disease. Early and accurate diagnosis gives individuals the best chance of living a

normal or near-normal life; and

     WHEREAS, Increased awareness of Multiple Sclerosis can promote understanding,

support, and access to resources for those living with the disease, as well as encourage

advancements in research, treatment, and quality-of-life initiatives; and

     WHEREAS, Rhode Island has the second-highest rate of Multiple Sclerosis in the United

States, behind only Washington, D.C., with a rate of approximately 36 cases per 10,000 residents,

significantly higher than the national average; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

proclaims March of 2026 to be "Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month" in the State of Rhode

Island; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

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LC006078

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