110 HRES 1037 IH: Expressing the need for enhanced public U.S. House of Representatives 2008-03-11 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV 110th CONGRESS 2d Session H. RES. 1037 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES March 11, 2008 Mr. Kagen submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce RESOLUTION Expressing the need for enhanced public awareness of Hidradenitis Suppurativa, and for the support of the designation of a National Hidradenitis Suppurativa Awareness Month.

Whereas Hidradenitis Suppurativa is a common skin disease affecting at least 1 percent of the general population, and data suggests that the number of individuals afflicted may be underreported; Whereas Hidradenitis Suppurativa affects both males and females of every race and nationality, usually beginning in the second or third decade of life and often persisting into old age; Whereas Hidradenitis Suppurativa is considered one of the most difficult and chronic diseases of dermatology, causing significant pain, disfigurement, anxiety, depression, temporary or permanent disability, and a severe reduction in quality of life, even for those with mild forms of the disease; Whereas the time from disease onset to diagnosis is often measured in years or decades, greatly increasing the morbidity and complications of long-standing Hidradenitis Suppurativa; Whereas there is currently no medical consensus on the definition of Hidradenitis Suppurativa, no standard method of diagnosis, nor any consistently effective treatment; Whereas there is an urgent need to conduct systematic, large-scale research studies to discover the cause(s) of Hidradenitis Suppurativa and develop rational, evidence-based treatments; Whereas because those afflicted with Hidradenitis Suppurativa see many different medical specialists, there is a critical need to educate all medical professionals in all fields about this disease; Whereas because receiving early and appropriate medical intervention may decrease the morbidity of Hidradenitis Suppurativa, there is an essential need to increase awareness of Hidradenitis Suppurativa among the general public; Whereas Mayor John Street of Philadelphia proclaimed June 2007 as Hidradenitis Suppurativa Awareness Month; and Whereas the month of June would be appropriate to designate as National Hidradenitis Suppurativa Awareness Month: Now, therefore, be it

That the United States House of Representatives— (1)supports the designation of a National Hidradenitis Suppurativa Awareness Month, to raise awareness regarding Hidradenitis Suppurativa; and (2)requests the President to issue a proclamation designating such a month, and calling on the medical community and other interested groups to engage in educational activities and promote the need for further Hidradenitis Suppurativa research.