HR0860 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0860 LRB098 20374 MST 55931 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Sarcoidosis is a rare disease that results from inflammation; the cause is currently unknown; it usually develops between the ages of 20 and 40 and almost 90% of the cases are found in the lungs and lymph nodes, but it can occur in almost any organ; and

WHEREAS, Sarcoidosis causes small lumps, or granulomas, which generally heal and disappear on their own; for those granulomas that do not heal, the tissue can remain inflamed and become scarred or fibrotic; and

WHEREAS, Sarcoidosis can develop into pulmonary fibrosis, which distorts the structure of the lungs and can interfere with breathing; bronchiectasis, a lung disease in which pockets form in the air tubes of the lung and can become sites for infection, can also occur; and

WHEREAS, Most sarcoidosis patients do not have symptoms and can be unaware they have the disease; symptoms include shortness of breath, a persistent cough, rashes on the face, arms, or shins, inflammation of the eyes, weight loss, fatigue, night sweats, fever, pain in the chests, joints, and bones, swollen lymph nodes, and wheezing; and

WHEREAS, Treatment for sarcoidosis is unique to the patient as different treatments work for different people; sometimes more than one treatment is used and, in many cases, no treatment is needed; and

WHEREAS, Sarcoidosis occurs in all races and both genders, but the most susceptible populations seem to be those of African-American, Scandinavian, and Asian origin; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge the Department of Human Services, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, and the Department of Public Health to assess the existing State and federal assistance programs regarding the study and treatment of sarcoidosis; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge the appropriate departments to conduct hearings, examine the above-mentioned ancillary issues, and publish a report on their findings; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to Secretary of Human Services, Michelle R.B. Saddler, Director of Healthcare and Family Services, Julie Hamos, and Director of Public Health, LaMar Hasbrouck.