SR-171, As Adopted by Senate, September 12, 2012

            Senator Hunter offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 171.

            A resolution recognizing September 2012 as Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that was first diagnosed in the United States in 1910; and

            Whereas, Sickle cell disease causes the rapid destruction of red blood cells, which results in multiple medical complications, including anemia, jaundice, gallstones, strokes, and restricted blood flow, damaging tissue in the liver, spleen, and kidneys, and death; and

            Whereas, More than 2 million Americans have the sickle cell trait, and 1 in 10 African Americans carry the trait, which means that they carry the gene for the condition; and

            Whereas, Approximately 1,000 babies are born with sickle cell disease each year in the United States, with the disease occurring in approximately 1 in 500 African-American infants; 1 in 1,000 Hispanic-American infants; and is found in persons of Greek, Italian, East Indian, Saudi Arabian, Asian, Syrian, Turkish, Cypriot, Sicilian, and Caucasian origins; and

            Whereas, The life expectancy of a person with sickle cell disease is severely limited, with an average lifespan of 45 years for an adult; and

            Whereas, Though there is no cure for this painful disease, advances in treating the associated complications have occurred; and

            Whereas, Researchers are hopeful that in less than two decades sickle cell disease may join the ranks of chronic illnesses that, when properly treated, do not interfere with the activity, growth, or mental development of affected children; and

            Whereas, The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Michigan Chapter, Inc., remains the preeminent advocacy organization in the state of Michigan that serves the sickle cell community by providing free testing, education and genetic counseling, follow-up laboratory testing, medical referrals, program assistance and career development, and a parent club support group; and

            Whereas, Education about sickle cell disease is a critical part of increasing early diagnosis and intervention for individuals with this disease; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby recognize September 2012 as Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month in Michigan; and be it further

            Resolved, That we urge all Michiganians to use this month as an opportunity to educate themselves about sickle cell disease and reach out to support members of their communities who have been diagnosed with this disease; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Michigan Chapter, Inc., with our highest esteem.