Assembly Resolution No. 800

BY: M. of A. Solages

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
May 3, 2022, as Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Awareness Day in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official days that are set aside to increase awareness of health issues
that affect the lives of children of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 3, 2022, as Juvenile
Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) Awareness Day in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, JIA Awareness Day was established to raise awareness of
this devastating childhood disorder and promote wellness among those
children affected; and

WHEREAS, JIA is a disease that affects one in 1,000 young children
in the United States and impacts their lives negatively; and

WHEREAS, If people in our community are educated about JIA they may
recognize the symptoms earlier which can help lead to a quicker
diagnosis and initiation of treatment; and

WHEREAS, There are less than 350 pediatric rheumatologists in the
United States which means that patients may not have access to the type
of doctor they need to treat JIA; and

WHEREAS, Recognizing that there are so few pediatric
rheumatologists, the state should encourage future doctors to get
training and specialize in this field of medicine to be able to treat
more patients with JIA; and

WHEREAS, JIA medications can cost thousands of dollars a year and
may not be covered by insurance, therefore, it is not affordable for all
families; and

WHEREAS, It is important for people to have access to medication and
physical therapy to reduce pain and swelling in order to properly manage
JIA; and

WHEREAS, Every child of New York State with JIA deserves access to
high-quality treatment by a pediatric rheumatologist that is covered by
insurance; and

WHEREAS, It is important that there be greater public awareness of
JIA and more must be done to improve joint health for all children in
New York, including patient access to early detection and intervention
by healthcare professionals in the process of identification and
treatment of JIA; and now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 3, 2022, as Juvenile

Idiopathic Arthritis Awareness Day in the State of New York; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York; the New York State Department of Health; and to members of the
affected community.