Bill > HR0468

This resolution declares September 2025 as Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) Awareness Month in Illinois, drawing attention to a rare, chronic autoimmune liver disease that predominantly affects women. The resolution highlights that approximately 105,500 people nationwide, including 4,000 in Illinois, are diagnosed with PBC, which damages bile ducts and can lead to liver failure if untreated. While medical advances now enable many patients to achieve a normal life expectancy, the disease still causes significant symptoms like fatigue and itchiness that impact quality of life. The resolution emphasizes the importance of early detection, timely specialist referral, and increased public awareness to support patients. It also recognizes the Friends of the PBC Foundation's awareness campaign theme "You Are Not Alone" and notes the upcoming International PBC Day on September 14, 2025, and the U.S. PBC Patient Conference in Chicago from September 19-21, 2025. By officially designating this awareness month, the resolution aims to encourage earlier diagnosis, increase understanding of PBC's challenges, and strengthen support for research, education, and potential future medical advancements.

Health and Social Services

https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=468&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HR&SessionID=114&GA=104