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SR 992

SENATE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF MAY OF 2025 TO BE "MYOSITIS AWARENESS MONTH IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND"

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mark McKenney

Rhode Island proclaims May 2025 as Myositis Awareness Month to educate residents, support patients and clinicians, and partner with The Myositis Association on awareness and care.

05/01/2025 Senate read and passed
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Bill Summary · SR 992

Summary of Senate Resolution SR 992 (Rhode Island)

Title and Nature

  • Title: Senate Resolution proclaiming the month of May 2025 as “Myositis Awareness Month in the State of Rhode Island”
  • Type: Non-binding resolution (ceremonial)
  • Status: Read and passed by the Rhode Island Senate on May 1, 2025
  • Introduced: April 28, 2025
  • Referred/Disposition: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar; subsequently acted on by the Senate

Purpose and Intent

  • To raise awareness about myositis, a group of rare, chronic autoimmune muscle diseases, and to highlight the challenges in diagnosis, treatment, and access to specialized care.
  • To acknowledge the impact of myositis on patients, families, and the health system, including health disparities that disproportionately affect women and people of color.
  • To align Rhode Island with the efforts of patient advocacy groups, particularly The Myositis Association (TMA), in expanding education, research, and public awareness.

Key Provisions

  • Proclamation: Rhode Island designates May 2025 as “Myositis Awareness Month.”
  • Awareness and Education: Rhode Islanders are encouraged to learn about all forms of myositis, its symptoms, and the support needs of affected families.
  • Support for Affected Individuals: The resolution expresses solidarity with families and communities impacted by myositis and emphasizes the value of greater awareness.
  • Communications Directive: The Secretary of State is authorized and directed to transmit a certified copy of the resolution to:
    • Ms. Paula Eichenbrenner, Executive Director of The Myositis Association
    • Ms. Courtney Smith (as named in the resolution)

Forms of Myositis Mentioned

  • Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies collectively referred to as myositis
  • Subtypes and related conditions listed in the resolution (examples include): anti-MDS5 autoantibody–positive myositis; antisynthetase syndrome; necrotizing myopathy; inclusion body myositis; polymyositis; dermatomyositis; juvenile dermatomyositis; immune-mediated forms

Affected Parties

  • Rhode Island residents with myositis and their families
  • Health care providers and clinicians with expertise in myositis
  • The Myositis Association and its advocacy/education efforts
  • Public health and education stakeholders who promote awareness of rare diseases

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction: April 28, 2025
  • Senate Action: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar; passed by the Senate on May 1, 2025
  • Nature of Effect: Ceremonial proclamation with no direct fiscal impact or regulatory changes
  • Effective Date: Effective upon enactment by the Senate (no separate effective date beyond passage)

Potential Impact

  • Increases public awareness of myositis and its forms among Rhode Islanders.
  • Encourages education for patients and clinicians, potentially supporting earlier recognition and access to appropriate care.
  • Strengthens Rhode Island’s collaboration with patient advocacy organizations and may inform future health education and outreach initiatives related to rare diseases.

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

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