2026 -- H 8342

========

LC006197

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

____________

H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

RECOGNIZING MARCH 24, 2026 AS “NATIONAL DIABETES ALERT DAY 2026” IN THE

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Representatives Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Diaz, Chippendale, Slater,
Stewart, Fogarty, Edwards, Casey, and Ajello

     Date Introduced: March 24, 2026

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, Diabetes is a chronic condition affecting how the body processes blood

sugar, and if left unmanaged, can lead to serious health complications including heart disease,

kidney failure, vision loss, stroke, and lower limb amputations; and

     WHEREAS, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one

in three adults in the United States have prediabetes, and approximately eight out of ten of those

individuals are unaware of their condition, highlighting the importance of early awareness and

preventive care; and

     WHEREAS, In Rhode Island, diabetes remains a significant health concern, with the

state Department of Health reporting that over 11 percent of adults have been diagnosed with

diabetes, and many more may be at risk for developing the condition; and

     WHEREAS, National Diabetes Alert Day is observed annually on the fourth Tuesday in

March as a one day “wakeup call,” encouraging individuals to take the simple one minute

Diabetes Risk Test and to learn more about how they can reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes; and

     WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Department of Health and its community partners are

committed to raising awareness about diabetes, promoting evidence based preventive programs

such as the National Diabetes Prevention Program, and supporting all Rhode Islanders in making

healthy lifestyle choices to improve long-term health; now, therefore be it

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

recognizes March 24, 2026 as “National Diabetes Alert Day 2026”, and commends the Rhode

Island Department of Health and its community partners for their tireless efforts to educate and

empower residents, and encourages all Rhode Islanders to learn about their diabetes risk, pursue

preventive care, and make positive health choices; and be it further

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

a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health,

Jerome Larkin, MD.

========

LC006197

========

LC006197 - Page 2 of 2