A Resolution recognizing the month of June 2026 as "Scleroderma Awareness Month" and June 29, 2026, as "World Scleroderma Day" in Pennsylvania.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Anthony Bellmon and 7 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania designates June 2026 as Scleroderma Awareness Month and June 29, 2026 as World Scleroderma Day to promote education and outreach.

Reported as committed

Summary of Bill HR 461 (Session 2025-2026) – Pennsylvania

Title

A Resolution recognizing the month of June 2026 as “Scleroderma Awareness Month” and June 29, 2026, as “World Scleroderma Day” in Pennsylvania.

Purpose and Intent

The bill designates a statewide awareness period to educate the public about scleroderma, a chronic connective tissue disease.

It aims to raise awareness, understanding, and visibility of scleroderma and its impact on individuals and families in Pennsylvania.

Key Provisions

Proclaims June 2026 as Scleroderma Awareness Month throughout Pennsylvania.

Proclaims June 29, 2026, as World Scleroderma Day in Pennsylvania.

Likely requests, encourages, or directs relevant state agencies, organizations, and communities to observe the designated periods with appropriate recognition, education, and outreach (typical for such memorial/awareness resolutions). The exact procedural language is not provided here, but such resolutions typically:

Encourage participation by schools, health institutions, medical professionals, and community organizations.
Encourage dissemination of information about scleroderma, its symptoms, treatment options, and support resources.
Encourage coordination with patient advocacy groups and relevant health programs.

Who/What is Affected

The designation affects Pennsylvania residents and state institutions by authorizing formal recognition and public awareness activities.

Health and community organizations, medical providers, patient advocacy groups, and health departments are potential partners in observance efforts.

The bill does not enact funding or regulatory changes; it primarily provides ceremonial recognition.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Referred to: Health (March 31, 2026) – indicates the bill’s primary subject is health-related and is routed to the Health Committee for consideration.

Reported as committed (April 14, 2026) – indicates the bill progressed out of committee with a recommendation to proceed, subject to full chamber action.

Sponsorship:

Co-sponsors include Carol Kazeem, Pat Gallagher, Anthony Bellmon, Nikki Rivera, Joe Hohenstein, Ben Sanchez, Carol Hill-Evans, and Steve Malagari.
Co-sponsors suggest bipartisan support across several districts.

As a resolution, it would require passage by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and typically does not require Senate concurrence unless the bill is paired with companion legislation in both chambers.

Potential Impact

Raises public awareness about scleroderma in Pennsylvania.

May stimulate educational activities, screenings, and resource sharing related to scleroderma.

Signals state-level commitment and solidarity with individuals affected by scleroderma and related research/community groups.

No direct regulatory changes, funding allocations, or health policy mandates appear to be included in the bill’s described scope.

If you’d like, I can tailor the summary to emphasize how the observance could be implemented in schools, hospitals, or community organizations, or compare this bill to similar awareness resolutions in other states.