senate resolution no.104

Senators Irwin and Geiss offered the following resolution:

A resolution to recognize March 2024 as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month.

Whereas, Millions of individuals and thousands of Michiganders are affected not only by hemophilia, but all inheritable bleeding disorders, including Von Willebrand disease, and other rare bleeding disorders; and

Whereas, Bleeding disorders, which share the inability to form a proper blood clot, are characterized by extended bleeding after injury, surgery, trauma or menstruation. If not treated effectively, this can lead to significant morbidity and may be fatal; and

Whereas, During the 1980s, many individuals with hemophilia became infected with HIV and Hepatitis C due to the contamination of blood supply and products; and

Whereas, In 1986, March was federally designated as “Hemophilia Awareness Month,” and in 2016, the Department of Health and Human Services designated March as “National Bleeding Disorders Month”; and

Whereas, There has been great scientific achievements in the treatment of bleeding disorders and the larger pursuit of advanced therapies and cures to these disorders; and

Whereas, The bleeding disorders community’s relationships with policymakers foster numerous medical and policy advancements beneficial to all those affected and their loved ones; and

Whereas, Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month fosters a greater sense of community and shared purpose among individuals with inheritable bleeding disorders; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize March 2024 as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month; and be it further

Resolved, That we raise awareness of and engagement in the inheritable bleeding disorders journey beyond our community to the general public, enabling the prevention of illness, unnecessary procedures, and disability.