A Resolution designating the month of September 2026 as "Childhood Cancer Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kerry Benninghoff and 20 co-sponsors

Designates September 2026 in Pennsylvania as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month to promote public awareness and recognition of affected families and communities.

Summary of HR 582 (Session 2025-2026) – Pennsylvania

Purpose and intent

Designates September 2026 in Pennsylvania as “Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.”

Aims to raise awareness about childhood cancer within the state and recognize the impact on affected children, families, and communities.

Key provisions

Formal designation: The bill designates September 2026 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in Pennsylvania.

Observance guidance: While the bill text provided does not specify detailed activities, such designations typically encourage public awareness campaigns, educational events, and recognition by state agencies, schools, and organizations during the designated month.

Recognition and messaging: The designation often includes a directive for state officials and departments to acknowledge the month, potentially through proclamations, educational materials, and public service announcements.

Who or what would be affected

State government and agencies: Likely to acknowledge the designation in communications and public messaging.

Schools, medical community, and nonprofits: Encouraged to participate in awareness activities, fundraising, and educational events.

General public in Pennsylvania: Increased visibility of childhood cancer issues during September 2026.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: The bill is a concurrent or substantive resolution proposing a one-time designation for a specific month.

Duration: The designation applies specifically to September 2026; it does not create a year-round policy or funding mechanism.

Legislative process: Requires passage by the Pennsylvania House (and typically the Senate) and, upon approval, would be signed by the governor or otherwise become effective per state rules for concurrent resolutions.

Notable details

Sponsorship: A broad slate of co-sponsors from both major party-affiliated legislators, indicating cross-party support for recognizing Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Specifics on funding or programs: The summary provided does not indicate any funding, programs, or statutory changes beyond recognition. If the bill text includes a separate appropriation or mandates, those would need to be reviewed in the actual bill language.

Potential impact and considerations

Awareness and education: Could enhance public knowledge about childhood cancer, support resources for families, and visibility for related charities and medical research.

Policy implications: No direct funding or statutory changes appear in the summary; the impact is largely symbolic and commemorative unless additional provisions are attached in the full bill.

Community engagement: Schools, hospitals, and patient advocacy groups may organize events and outreach aligned with the designated month.

If you’d like, I can compare this bill to similar past resolutions or pull the exact statutory language to confirm whether there are any ancillary provisions (e.g., proclamations, grants, or required state agency actions) accompanying the designation.