2026 -- H 8583

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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 THE MONTH OF MAY 2026 AS "ASTHMA AND ALLERGY

AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Representatives Edwards, Blazejewski, Kazarian, Chippendale, Bennett,
Kennedy, Azzinaro, Shanley, Diaz, and Potter

     Date Introduced: May 26, 2026

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, Asthma and allergic diseases are chronic, potentially life-altering conditions

that affect millions of Americans and thousands of Rhode Islanders; and

     WHEREAS, Since 1984, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has

designated the month of May as “National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month” to raise public

understanding of asthma, allergic diseases, triggers, and treatment options; and

     WHEREAS, More than 100 million people in the United States live with asthma and/or

allergies, including over 28 million Americans with asthma, 20 million with food allergies, and

81 million with nasal allergies. While individuals may have more than one of these conditions,

these statistics highlight the widespread impact of respiratory and immune conditions nationwide.

Additionally, most deaths related to asthma and allergies are preventable with proper care and

management; and

     WHEREAS, According to the most recent data from the United States Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 26.8 million Americans (about 8.2%) have

current asthma, including more than 4.5 million children and 22.2 million adults, underscoring

the significant public health burden of this condition; and

     WHEREAS, Rhode Island residents are similarly affected by asthma, with state data

indicating that an estimated 24.8% of adults with current asthma have ongoing symptoms, and

that a proportion of Rhode Islanders experience asthma triggered or worsened by occupational

exposures. Providence ranked 10th in the most challenging U.S. cities for living with asthma in

2024 according to the AAFA; and

     WHEREAS, Asthma remains a leading cause of school absenteeism and health care

utilization among children nationwide, and allergic diseases, including rhinitis and food allergies,

contributes to significant morbidity, decreased quality of life, and economic costs for families and

communities; and

     WHEREAS, Raising awareness, enhancing education about environmental triggers such

as air pollution and allergens, promoting early diagnosis, improving access to effective health

care, and supporting research and evidence-based prevention and treatment strategies are essential

to reducing the burden of asthma and allergies; now, therefore be it

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

proclaims the Month of May 2026 as "Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month" in the State of

Rhode Island and urges Rhode Islanders of all ages to observe this month with appropriate

awareness, education, and outreach activities designed to improve the health and well-being of

individuals living with asthma and allergic diseases; 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 Kenneth Mendez, President and CEO of the

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).

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