HOUSE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING THE SECOND WEEK IN MAY OF 2025 TO BE “LUNG CANCER ACTION WEEK” IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Sam Azzinaro and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island designates the second week of May 2025 as Lung Cancer Action Week to boost awareness, education, and screening advocacy, especially for high-risk groups.

05/06/2025 House read and passed

Overview

Bill: HR 6303 (LC002702)

Title: House Resolution proclaiming the second week in May of 2025 to be “Lung Cancer Action Week” in Rhode Island

Type: Resolution (no appropriation; declarative)

Introduced: May 6, 2025

Status: Passed by the Rhode Island House on May 6, 2025

Purpose: Designate a specific week in May 2025 as Lung Cancer Action Week to promote awareness, education, early detection, and related issues surrounding lung cancer.

Key Provisions

Designation: The second week in May 2025 is designated as “Lung Cancer Action Week” throughout Rhode Island.

Purpose of designation: To promote awareness and educational activities related to lung cancer, including risk factors, prevention, screening (notably low-dose CT scanning), and treatment options; with emphasis on minority groups and individuals who have never smoked.

Public observance: Rhode Island residents are encouraged to observe Lung Cancer Action Week and participate in educational activities to learn about risk factors, early detection, and preventive actions.

Outreach objective: To raise awareness of advances in screening, detection, and treatment, and to highlight issues affecting high-risk groups such as veterans, Black men, and non-White populations.

Administrative action: The Secretary of State is authorized to transmit a certified copy of the resolution to the American Lung Association.

Rationale and Context (as presented in the resolution)

The resolution references the American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE initiative and frames lung cancer as a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the U.S.

It cites data on screening benefits, disparities in screening and diagnosis, changes in lung cancer incidence and mortality, and the importance of education and advocacy in increasing screening uptake and early detection.

The text emphasizes public support for research and education as avenues for better detection, treatment options, and addressing inequities in care.

Timeline and Procedural Details

Effective date: The designation applies to the second week in May 2025.

Legislative action: House read and passed on May 6, 2025, indicating it is a one-session, commemorative resolution rather than a law with ongoing obligations.

Fiscal impact: None stated; no appropriation or recurring funding is provided by the resolution.

Affected Parties and Potential Impact

General public in Rhode Island: Encouraged to observe and participate in awareness activities.

Healthcare community: Encouraged involvement in education, screening advocacy, and outreach.

American Lung Association and related advocacy groups: Recipients of the certified copy; potential partners for awareness activities.

Specific populations highlighted: Minorities and individuals who have never smoked, with a focus on educating and improving access to screening and information.

Bottom Line

HR 6303 is a commemorative resolution that designates the second week of May 2025 as Lung Cancer Action Week in Rhode Island. It aims to boost public awareness, education, and advocacy around lung cancer screening and prevention, and directs formal acknowledgment to the American Lung Association. It does not create new programs or funding, but encourages public participation and awareness efforts during the designated week.

Bill