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

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Marc Anderson and 21 co-sponsors

Designates September 2026 as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in Pennsylvania to promote education, screening, and awareness efforts.

Reported as committed

Summary of Bill HR 575 (Session: 2025-2026, Pennsylvania)

Purpose and Intent

Designates September 2026 as “Prostate Cancer Awareness Month” in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The resolution serves to recognize and promote awareness, understanding, and education regarding prostate cancer.

Key Provisions

Establishes a formal designation: September 2026 shall be observed statewide as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

Recognizes the impact of prostate cancer on individuals, families, and communities in Pennsylvania.

Encourages public education and outreach efforts related to prostate cancer screening, early detection, treatment options, and support resources.

Sponsor and Support

Primary sponsors: a set of co-sponsors including Nikki Rivera, Marc Anderson, Bob Merski, Pat Harkins, Joe McAndrew, Sean Dougherty, Jeanne McNeill, Kristine Howard, and Arvind Venkat.

The bill is a resolution, not a statute imposing new regulatory or fiscal requirements.

Who/What is Affected

The designation affects the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and its residents by encouraging statewide awareness activities.

It signals support from state lawmakers for health education initiatives related to prostate cancer.

No new funding or administrative programs are specified within the text of the resolution itself; any associated activities would depend on separate initiatives or existing programs at state agencies or nonprofit organizations.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

The bill designates a specific month in 2026 for observance; there is no ongoing annual designation indicated beyond 2026 unless further legislation is introduced to create a recurring designation.

As a concurrent or joint-resolution type measure (typical for state commemorations), it would usually require approval by both chambers and the governor to become law, though resolutions of this nature often do not create binding fiscal or regulatory changes.

No explicit fiscal impact, administrative requirements, or enforcement mechanisms are described in the summary text provided.

Potential Impact and Rationale

Raises public awareness about prostate cancer, including risk factors, screening recommendations, and support resources.

May encourage hospitals, clinics, community centers, and nonprofit organizations to host awareness events or educational activities during September 2026.

Could support advocacy efforts aimed at improving screening uptake and access to care for Pennsylvanians, particularly at-risk populations.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize potential local program implications, or compare to similar awareness-month resolutions in other states.