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SJR 160

Designates August of each year as "Psoriasis Awareness Month".

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Renee Burgess

Designates August as Psoriasis Awareness Month in New Jersey and asks the Governor to issue an annual proclamation to promote awareness and support for research and treatment.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee
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Bill Summary · SJR 160

Summary: SJR 160 – Psoriasis Awareness Month (New Jersey)

Overview

SJR 160 is a Joint Resolution proposed in the New Jersey Senate that designates August of every year as “Psoriasis Awareness Month.” It directs the Governor to issue an annual proclamation recognizing the month and encourages public observance and related initiatives to raise awareness and promote research.

  • Bill type: Joint Resolution (no new law or spending program; a ceremonial designation)
  • Introduced: May 12, 2025
  • Status: Introduced in the Senate; referred to the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee
  • Immediate effect: If enacted, designation takes effect immediately

Purpose and Intent

  • Increase public awareness and understanding of psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune skin disease.
  • Encourage support for individuals living with psoriasis.
  • Promote state, local, and national initiatives to advance research and treatment options.

Key Provisions

  1. Designation of Psoriasis Awareness Month

    • The month of August in each year is designated as “Psoriasis Awareness Month” in New Jersey.

  2. Governor’s Proclamation

    • The Governor is asked to annually issue a proclamation recognizing August as Psoriasis Awareness Month.
    • The proclamation should call upon public officials and New Jersey residents to observe the month with appropriate activities and programs.

  3. Effective Date

    • The joint resolution takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Background and Context (as reflected in the bill)

  • Psoriasis is described as a chronic autoimmune condition causing painful, itchy skin lesions that can appear anywhere on the body.
  • It is not contagious; disease causes include genetic and environmental factors and immune system activity.
  • Psoriasis affects both men and women across all ethnicities and ages; it primarily affects adults.
  • Approximately eight million people in the United States are affected.
  • About 30% of people with psoriasis may develop psoriatic arthritis, adding joint pain and related symptoms.
  • The bill emphasizes significant physical and psychological impacts, including mobility issues, sleep disruption, work limitations, stigma, and social isolation.
  • Treatments exist but can be challenging due to variability in response and potential side effects.
  • The bill cites local context from the Psoriasis Treatment Center of New Jersey, noting a 52% rate of adult patients reaching a treat-to-target goal in trials.

Potential Impact

  • Public awareness: Expected to enhance public understanding and reduce stigma surrounding psoriasis.
  • Support and advocacy: May galvanize support for individuals with psoriasis and promote broader interest in research and treatment improvements.
  • Administrative/ceremonial: Involves government proclamations and statewide observance, with no new funding or regulatory requirements specified in the resolution.

Affected Parties

  • Individuals living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and their families.
  • Health care providers, researchers, patient advocacy groups, and public health officials.
  • State and local government officials responsible for observance activities and proclamations.

Procedural Notes

  • As a joint resolution, the measure would designate a month and prompt presidential-style proclamations; it does not create new programs or funding.
  • If advanced, it would require the Governor’s annual proclamation and coordination with public officials and communities for observance activities.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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