Bill > H6342

This resolution proclaims May as "Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month" in Rhode Island, highlighting the significant impact of asthma and allergies on public health. The resolution notes that approximately 4.9 million children and 28 million people in the United States have asthma, with nearly 125,000 individuals affected in Rhode Island specifically. It emphasizes that Providence ranks 10th nationally as a challenging city for asthma sufferers, and that the disease disproportionately affects Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous populations. The resolution also points out that asthma is a leading cause of hospitalizations and school absences among children, with an annual economic cost of $81.9 billion between 2008 and 2013. Additionally, it mentions that 20.3 million Americans have food allergies, with children being particularly vulnerable. The House of Representatives urges Rhode Island residents to observe the month with appropriate ceremonies and activities, and directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the resolution to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's President and CEO.

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