[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 86 (Wednesday, May 20, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E470]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF GOUT AWARENESS DAY

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                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 20, 2026

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, National Gout Awareness Day will occur on 
May 22, 2026. This marks the 20th anniversary that patients, care 
partners, advocates and the medical community around the United States 
raise awareness of the crucial needs of people suffering from this 
chronic and painful form of arthritis.
  Gout is a chronic form of inflammatory arthritis affecting more than 
12 million Americans. Gout occurs due to a buildup of uric acid in the 
body. When excess uric acid builds up in the body, it deposits around 
joints and can lead to swollen joints and sudden, intensely painful 
attacks that can be debilitating.
  It is a chronic medical condition that, left untreated, can result in 
more frequent or painful attacks and joint damage. It can also increase 
patients' risk for other severe medical conditions such as kidney 
disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and stroke.
  While gout is not currently curable, it is treatable if patients have 
access to care that manages acute gout flares and addresses the root 
cause of chronic gout. Continuous and timely access to care is critical 
to ensure gout patients can successfully manage their disease.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in the House of Representatives 
join me and rise in commemoration of Gout Awareness Day, honoring those 
committed to helping alleviate the suffering of people with gout and 
those people dealing with this chronic inflammatory condition.

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