[Congressional Bills 115th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 213 Introduced in House (IH)]

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115th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 213

    Expressing support for designation of October 17, 2017, as the 
                  ``National Vitiligo Awareness Day''.


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                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             March 21, 2017

  Mr. Johnson of Georgia (for himself, Mr. Meeks, Mr. Grijalva, Mrs. 
  Dingell, Mr. Bilirakis, Ms. Norton, Ms. Jackson Lee, and Mr. David 
    Scott of Georgia) submitted the following resolution; which was 
            referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce

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                               RESOLUTION


 
    Expressing support for designation of October 17, 2017, as the 
                  ``National Vitiligo Awareness Day''.

Whereas vitiligo is a long-term, chronic disorder that results in the loss of 
        pigment in patches on the skin, hair, eyes, and inside of the mouth;
Whereas the condition can result in discomfort, itching, and pain, but there is 
        still no known cure;
Whereas the American Academy of Dermatology refers to vitiligo as a life-
        altering disorder that can cause low self-esteem, anger, and depression;
Whereas according to the American Academy of Dermatology, about half of the 
        individuals diagnosed with vitiligo are diagnosed before the age of 21;
Whereas a study by Pediatric Dermatology found that about half of all children 
        and adolescents diagnosed with vitiligo experienced a decreased quality 
        of life, and some individuals even experienced problems with schoolwork, 
        increased bullying and teasing, trouble with developing friendships, and 
        self-confidence issues;
Whereas a Yale study found that bullied children are two to nine times more 
        likely to consider suicide, and the CDC reports suicide is the third 
        leading cause of death among young people; and
Whereas Judith Porter, Ph.D., and Ann Beuf, Ph.D., found that social support for 
        children and adolescents with vitiligo provided by families, peers, 
        charities, support groups, and teachers can greatly improve their 
        quality of life and decrease stress related to bullying: Now, therefore, 
        be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the designation of ``National Vitiligo 
        Awareness Day''; and
            (2) recognizes the importance of providing support for 
        individuals diagnosed with vitiligo to improve their quality of 
        life.
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