Bill

HRES 524

Expressing support for the designation of June 19, 2025, as "World Sickle Cell Awareness Day" in order to increase public awareness across the United States and global community about sickle cell disease and the continued need for empirical research, early detection screenings, novel effective treatments leading to a cure, and preventative care programs with respect to complications from sickle cell anemia and conditions relating to sickle cell disease.

119th Congress Introduced by Danny Davis and 1 co-sponsor

HRES 524 designates June 19, 2025, as World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, promoting awareness, equitable access to treatments, and support for affected patients and families.

Submitted in House

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Bill Summary · HRES 524

Summary of HRES 524: World Sickle Cell Awareness Day Resolution

Bill Number: HRES 524
Introduced: June 20, 2025
Status: Submitted in House
Classification: Resolution

Purpose and Intent

HRES 524 expresses support for the designation of June 19, 2025, as World Sickle Cell Awareness Day. The resolution aims to enhance public awareness about sickle cell disease (SCD) and emphasizes the need for continued research, early detection, effective treatments, and preventative care programs related to sickle cell anemia and its complications.

Key Provisions

The resolution includes several important commitments and calls to action:

Support for Awareness Goals: The House of Representatives supports the goals of World Sickle Cell Awareness Day.
Equitable Access to Treatments: The resolution commits to ensuring that all economic, racial, and ethnic groups have equitable access to new SCD treatments to improve health outcomes.
Global Policy Solutions: It calls on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop global policy solutions that support SCD initiatives, including newborn screening programs and therapeutic interventions.
Elimination of Barriers: The resolution encourages the removal of barriers to access innovative SCD therapies, particularly for vulnerable patients within Medicare and Medicaid systems.
Public Engagement: It encourages individuals and organizations to hold programs and events on World Sickle Cell Awareness Day to raise awareness about SCD traits, preventative care, and available treatments.
Formation of an Interagency Group: The resolution urges the President to establish a Sickle Cell Disease Interagency Group that includes various federal health agencies to develop policies supporting equitable access to innovative therapies.
Addressing Bias in Healthcare: The interagency group is urged to consider options that not only improve access to future treatments but also address the biases faced by populations most affected by SCD in healthcare systems.

Impact

The resolution aims to impact various stakeholders, including:

Patients and Families: Individuals living with SCD and their families will benefit from increased awareness and potential improvements in access to treatments and care.
Healthcare Providers: The resolution encourages healthcare providers to engage in awareness activities and improve their understanding of SCD.
Government Agencies: Federal agencies will be tasked with developing policies and programs that support SCD initiatives and equitable access to care.

Legislative Actions

June 20, 2025: The resolution was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for further consideration.

Related Bills

SRES 292: A companion resolution related to the same objectives.

This resolution serves as a significant step towards raising awareness and improving the lives of those affected by sickle cell disease through enhanced public engagement and policy initiatives.

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