Bill Text: NJ AJR55 | 2018-2019 | Regular Session | Chaptered
Bill Title: Designates March of each year as "Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month."
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 5-0)
Status: (Passed) 2018-03-20 - Approved P.L.2018, JR-2. [AJR55 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2018-AJR55-Chaptered.html
§§1,2 -
C.36:2-325
& 36:2-326
§3 - T&E
A Joint Resolution designating March of each year as "Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month" in New Jersey.
Whereas, A bleeding disorder is a condition that develops when the blood cannot clot properly. The clotting process, also known as coagulation, changes blood from a liquid to a solid. This process occurs when platelets clump together to form a plug at the site of a damaged or injured blood vessel, which prevents blood from flowing out of the blood vessel; and
Whereas, When a bleeding disorder is present, blood does not coagulate properly. As a result, excessive or prolonged bleeding can occur after an injury, surgery, trauma, or during menstruation and can lead to spontaneous or sudden bleeding in the muscles, joints, or other parts of the body; and
Whereas, Blood disorders can lead to significant morbidity and can be fatal if not treated effectively; and
Whereas, The majority of bleeding disorders are inherited but some develop because of a medical condition, low red blood cell count, vitamin K deficiency, or as a side effect of anti-coagulant medications; and
Whereas, The two most common inherited bleeding disorders are hemophilia and von Willebrand Disease (vWD); and
Whereas, Hemophilia is a rare condition carried on the X-chromosome that affects mostly males. It occurs when there are low levels of clotting factors in the blood, and causes heavy or unusual bleeding into the joints; and
Whereas, Many individuals with hemophilia became infected with HIV and Hepatitis C during the 1980s due to the contamination of the blood supply and blood products; and
Whereas, vWD is the most common inherited bleeding disorder. It develops when the blood lacks von Willebrand factor, which helps the blood to clot. More than three million individuals, an estimated one percent of the U.S. population, are impacted by vWD; and
Whereas, In 2016, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) approved for inclusion on its National Health Observances calendar the annual designation of March as "Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month"; and
Whereas, The inclusion of "Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month" as a National Health Observance formalizes and expands upon the designation by President Ronald Reagan of March 1986 as "Hemophilia Awareness Month"; and
Whereas, Increased public awareness of bleeding disorders will generate a greater understanding of not only hemophilia and von Willebrand Disease but all inheritable bleeding disorders and foster a greater sense of community and shared purpose among individuals with inheritable bleeding disorders and the general public; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. March of each year is designated as "Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month" in New Jersey in order to increase public awareness about bleeding disorders, generate a greater understanding of all inheritable bleeding disorders, and foster a greater sense of community and shared purpose among individuals with inheritable bleeding disorders and the general public.
2. The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation designating March as "Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month" in New Jersey, and calling upon public officials and the citizens of the State to observe the month with appropriate activities and programs.
3. Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of the State, shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly or the Secretary of the Senate to the Hemophilia Association of New Jersey.
4. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This resolution designates March of each year as "Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month" in New Jersey in order to increase public awareness about bleeding disorders, generate a greater understanding of all inheritable bleeding disorders, and foster a greater sense of community and shared purpose among individuals with inheritable bleeding disorders and the general public.
Designates March of each year as "Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month."
