Assembly Resolution No. 464

BY: M. of A. Buttenschon

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
May 18-24, 2025, as Eosinophil Awareness Week in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to help increase
awareness of serious health conditions that affect the lives of citizens
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 18-24, 2025, as
Eosinophil Awareness Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with
National Eosinophil Awareness Week; and

WHEREAS, Eosinophils are normal cellular components of the blood and
certain tissues, including the spleen, lymph nodes, thymus, and
submucosal areas of the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and genitourinary
tracts; disorders occur when eosinophils are found in high numbers in
various parts of the body; and

WHEREAS, Eosinophilia is the presence of too many eosinophils in the
body; an eosinophil is part of a group of cells called white blood
cells; the complete blood count (CBC) test is utilized to indicate the
presence of this disorder and often detects parasites, allergies, or
even cancer; and

WHEREAS, Blood eosinophilia occurs when the eosinophil levels are
high in the blood and is found in blood testing, and tissue eosinophilia
is the result of high levels in inflamed tissues which may be discovered
through a biopsy since the eosinophil level may not always produce a
high count in a blood test; and

WHEREAS, When the body is fighting a foreign substance, such as an
allergen, eosinophils converge on the affected area and release toxins;
however, an overabundance of these defenders can cause chronic
inflammation and tissue damage; and

WHEREAS, General categories of disease as a result of high levels of
eosinophils range from allergic disorders to endocrine disorders; and

WHEREAS, In 2007, the American Partnership for Eosinophilic
Disorders (APFED) drafted language to establish a National Eosinophil
Awareness Week (NEAW); on May 15, 2007, the United States House of
Representatives passed House Bill No. 296, permanently designating the
third week of May as NEAW; and

WHEREAS, The objective of this specific week is awareness and
education for both the general public and the medical community; it is
imperative that information, understanding, and mindfulness are
bolstered; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 18-24, 2025, as
Eosinophil Awareness Week in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.