2026 -- S 3281

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LC006464

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

RECOGNIZING MAY 2026 AS "FIBROMYALGIA AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE

OF RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Senators Murray, Lawson, Felag, Tikoian, Appollonio, LaMountain,
McKenney, Sosnowski, Rogers, and Famiglietti

     Date Introduced: May 12, 2026

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

     WHEREAS, Fibromyalgia, a chronic medical condition affecting the central nervous

system for which there is currently no cure, causes fatigue and debilitating pain in women, men,

and children, many of whom go undiagnosed; and

     WHEREAS, Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain,

cognitive difficulties, and other symptoms that significantly impact quality of life, and patients

with this chronic pain illness often live with widespread body pain, extreme fatigue, sleep

disorders, stiffness, weakness, headaches, numbness, tingling, memory impairment, and difficulty

concentrating; and

     WHEREAS, The risk of developing fibromyalgia is about eight times higher for first-

degree relatives of affected individuals; and

     WHEREAS, Patients with fibromyalgia often have a number of co-existing conditions

which may include chronic myofascial pain, IBS, TMJD, migraines, environmental sensitivities,

anxiety, and depression; and

     WHEREAS, Fibromyalgia affects millions of individuals in the United States and around

the world, with many patients facing challenges in obtaining timely diagnosis, effective

treatment, and public understanding of their condition; and

     WHEREAS, It may take years to receive a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, and medical

professionals are frequently inadequately educated on the current research, diagnosis, and

treatment of fibromyalgia; and

     WHEREAS, Increased public awareness and education regarding fibromyalgia can help

reduce stigma, encourage compassionate support for those living with the condition, and promote

earlier recognition and access to care to better support people who struggle with the multifaceted

management challenges of this complex chronic pain illness and common co-existing conditions;

and

     WHEREAS, Healthcare providers, researchers, advocates, caregivers, and individuals

living with fibromyalgia continue to work toward advancing research, improving treatment

options, and supporting those impacted by chronic pain disorders; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby recognizes May 2026

as "Fibromyalgia Awareness Month" and May 12, 2026 as "Fibromyalgia Awareness Day", and

encourages all residents, organizations, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to

increase awareness and understanding of fibromyalgia and support those affected by this

condition; 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 Fibromyalgia Association.

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