Bill Text: NJ SJR71 | 2022-2023 | Regular Session | Chaptered
Bill Title: Designates May of each year as "Arthritis Awareness Month" in New Jersey.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2023-05-31 - Approved P.L.2023, JR-9. [SJR71 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2022-SJR71-Chaptered.html
A Joint Resolution designating May of each year as "Arthritis Awareness Month" in New Jersey and supplementing Title 36 of the Revised Statutes.
Whereas, Arthritis, which includes more than 100 rheumatic diseases and conditions affecting joints and surrounding tissue, causes pain, loss of movement, and limits everyday activities such as walking or dressing; and
Whereas, Arthritis is a chronic health problem that is the nation's leading cause of physical disability among Americans and is most common among people with multiple chronic conditions; and
Whereas, Arthritis affects an estimated 54 million American adults, or 24.1 percent of all adults in the United States, and roughly 300,000 children under 18 years of age who have a form of arthritis or rheumatic condition, representing approximately 1 in every 250 children in the United States; and
Whereas, Arthritis costs are more than $304 billion each year, with $140 billion in direct medical care costs and $164 billion in lost wages; and
Whereas, In New Jersey, there are more than 858,200 adults living with arthritis; in addition, 30.8 percent of adults with diabetes, 45.9 percent of adults with cardiovascular disease, and 31 percent of adults who are obese, also suffer from arthritis; and
Whereas, Among working age adults with arthritis in New Jersey, 43.4 percent experience a degree of work limitation due to arthritis; and
Whereas, One out of every three American veterans lives with arthritis, which is the leading cause of disability among veterans; and
Whereas, Research supporting better prevention strategies, interventions, and treatments is crucial to reducing the number of veterans and others who suffer from arthritis; and
Whereas, This Legislature understands and sympathizes with the severity of the impact of arthritis on the citizens of this State and appreciates the efforts of the Arthritis Foundation to help to provide care for those suffering from arthritis in New Jersey; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
C.36:2-442 "Arthritis Awareness Month" established, month of May.
1. The month of May is designated as "Arthritis Awareness Month" in recognition of the severity of the impact of arthritis on the citizens of this State.
C.36:2-443 Annual proclamation.
2. The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation recognizing May as "Arthritis Awareness Month" in New Jersey and to call upon public officials and the citizens of this State to observe the month with appropriate activities and programs.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
Approved May 31, 2023.
