BILL ANALYSIS
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THIRD READING
Bill No: SCR 31
Author: Runner (R), et al
Amended: As introduced
Vote: 21
WITHOUT REFERENCE TO COMMITTEE OR FILE
SUBJECT : Scleroderma Awareness Month
SOURCE : Scleroderma Foundation
DIGEST : This resolution declares June 2009 as
Scleroderma Awareness Month.
ANALYSIS :
Resolution findings:
1.Scleroderma is a chronic, disabling autoimmune disease
in which the body's soft tissues suffer from an
overproduction of collagen.
2.Scleroderma can affect many parts of the body including
skin, internal organs, and blood vessels.
3.Scleroderma sufferers often experience damage to the
heart, lungs, kidneys, and the gastrointestinal system.
4.Many sufferers develop pulmonary hypertension as a
result of constriction of the blood vessels.
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5.African Americans are more susceptible to systemic
scleroderma.
6.Researchers have yet to identify the exact cause or
causes of scleroderma.
7.Researchers have found links between scleroderma and
rheumatic disease.
8.An estimated 300,000 Americans suffer from scleroderma,
and 80 percent of those are women.
9.The estimated total economic impact of scleroderma
treatment is estimated to be in excess of $1.5 billion
annually.
10.The morbidity cost associated with scleroderma is an
estimated $819,000,000 annually.
11.The direct cost of treatment for scleroderma is
estimated to be $462,000,000, annually.
12.There is a significant need for further research
focusing on the epidemiology of scleroderma to increase
understanding of the causes of the disease and its
treatment.
13.The United State Congress has recognized the need to
raise awareness of the impact of scleroderma on public
health and has designated a National Scleroderma
Awareness Month.
14.California should also designate a month as Scleroderma
Awareness Month to help educate the public about
autoimmune diseases and the need for increased research,
funding, and effective treatments for those diseases.
15.The designation of such a month would recognize the
efforts of health care providers, patients, and
scleroderma advocacy organizations to increase awareness
of scleroderma and of the need for increased research on
scleroderma.
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This resolution declares June 2009 as Scleroderma Awareness
Month.
FISCAL EFFECT : Fiscal Com.: No
SUPPORT : (Verified 5/7/09)
Scleroderma Foundation (source)
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
CTW:do 5/7/09 Senate Floor Analyses
SUPPORT/OPPOSITION: SEE ABOVE
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