R 209

2016 -- H 8156 Enacted 05/04/2016

H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING MAY 1ST - 7TH, 2016, AS "RHODE ISLAND MELANOMA AWARENESS WEEK"

Introduced By: Representatives Blazejewski, Kennedy, and Barros

Date Introduced: May 04, 2016

WHEREAS, Skin cancer is a serious problem for people who spend significant time in

the sun outdoors and/or from ultraviolet light from tanning beds; and

WHEREAS, Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer and the most common

form of cancer for young adults age 25-29; and

WHEREAS, Melanoma rates have doubled in Rhode Island since 1991; and

WHEREAS, On average, one American dies of melanoma every hour; and

WHEREAS, Advocacy, increased awareness, and screening will result in meaningful

reduction of the burden of skin cancer; and

WHEREAS, Members of The Partnership to Reduce Cancer in Rhode Island and the

Department of Dermatology at Roger Williams Medical Center are diligently working to raise

awareness about the dangers of sun exposure, to promote safe sun behaviors, to recognize and

treat melanoma as early as possible, when it is still curable, and to accomplish the objectives

within the 2013-2018 Rhode Island Cancer Prevention and Control Plan; and

WHEREAS, Across the country, the month of May is designated as National Melanoma

Awareness Month; now, therefore be it

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

Providence Plantations hereby proclaims May 1st - 7th, 2016, as "Rhode Island Melanoma

Awareness Week" and encourages all residents to learn more about the prevention and detection

of skin cancer; and be it further

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

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Judy Cerrito, Director, Partnership to Reduce

Cancer in Rhode Island, and Thomas M. Ruenger, Chairman of the Department of Dermatology

at Roger Williams Medical Center.

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LC005876

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