Title: Endometriosis Awareness Month

Summary: Recognizing March 2018 as "Endometriosis Awareness Month" in Florida, etc.

Full Text:
WHEREAS, endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to that normally found in the uterus begins to grow outside of the uterus, leading to chronic, debilitating pelvic pain, and WHEREAS, endometriosis is a leading cause of female infertility, and WHEREAS, endometriosis affects in women of childbearing age in the United States, and WHEREAS, there is an average of a 10-year delay from the onset of symptoms to the final diagnosis of endometriosis, and WHEREAS, in 2010, endometriosis patients in the United States were hospitalized 105,123 days because of their disease, and WHEREAS, women with endometriosis can lose hours per work week through lost productivity and absenteeism due to pain, and WHEREAS, percent of endometriosis patients report that their disease detrimentally affects their work, and WHEREAS, the estimated total annual societal burden of endometriosis-related symptoms in the United States is $56 billion, or $10,824 per patient, and WHEREAS, there is no cure for endometriosis, and WHEREAS, more research is necessary to develop treatment options to manage this debilitating disease, and WHEREAS, providers traditionally have focused on managing the associated pain with oral contraceptives, progestins, danazol, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids, and GnRH agonists, many of which are not specifically indicated for the treatment of endometriosis, and in more severe cases, surgical interventions, such as laparotomy or laparoscopy, are pursued, and WHEREAS, such treatment may not be curative for all individuals, and WHEREAS, education is important for promoting awareness of symptoms and early detection and diagnosis of endometriosis, NOW, THEREFORE, Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of Florida: That March 2018 is recognized as  Endometriosis Awareness Month,  and the residents of this state are encouraged to observe the month with related awareness and educational campaigns. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Health is encouraged to make available online resources and current information on endometriosis, including disease prevalence, symptoms, and treatment options.