Title: Expressing support for the designation of October 17, 2021, as "National Vitiligo Awareness Day".
Policy area: Health

Summary:
This resolution expresses support for the designation of National Vitiligo Awareness Day. (Vitiligo is a chronic condition that results in the loss of pigment in patches on the skin, hair, eyes, and inside of the mouth; the condition may lead to discomfort, itching, and pain.)

[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 718 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>






117th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 718

    Expressing support for the designation of October 17, 2021, as 
                  ``National Vitiligo Awareness Day''.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                            October 12, 2021

    Mr. Johnson of Georgia (for himself, Mr. Espaillat, Ms. Lee of 
 California, Mr. Payne, Ms. Norton, Mr. Bishop of Georgia, Ms. Jackson 
     Lee, Mr. Cohen, Ms. Sewell, Ms. Blunt Rochester, Ms. Moore of 
Wisconsin, Mr. Cleaver, Ms. Bass, Mr. Grijalva, Mr. Levin of Michigan, 
  Ms. Clarke of New York, Mr. David Scott of Georgia, and Mr. Raskin) 
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee 
                         on Energy and Commerce

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
    Expressing support for the designation of October 17, 2021, as 
                  ``National Vitiligo Awareness Day''.

Whereas vitiligo is a long-term, chronic disorder that results in the loss of 
        pigment in patches on the skin, hair, eyes, and inside of the mouth;
Whereas the condition can result in discomfort, itching, and pain, but there is 
        still no known cure;
Whereas the American Academy of Dermatology refers to vitiligo as a life-
        altering disorder that can cause low self-esteem, anger, and depression;
Whereas, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, about half of the 
        individuals diagnosed with vitiligo are diagnosed before the age of 21;
Whereas a study by Pediatric Dermatology found that about half of all children 
        and adolescents diagnosed with vitiligo experienced a decreased quality 
        of life, and some individuals even experienced problems with schoolwork, 
        increased bullying and teasing, trouble with developing friendships, and 
        self-confidence issues;
Whereas a Yale study found that bullied children are two to nine times more 
        likely to consider suicide, and the CDC reports suicide is the second 
        leading cause of death among people between the ages of 10 and 34; and
Whereas Judith Porter, Ph.D., and Ann Beuf, Ph.D., found that social support for 
        children and adolescents with vitiligo provided by families, peers, 
        charities, support groups, and teachers can greatly improve their 
        quality of life and decrease stress related to bullying: Now, therefore, 
        be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the designation of ``National Vitiligo 
        Awareness Day''; and
            (2) recognizes the importance of providing support for 
        individuals diagnosed with vitiligo to improve their quality of 
        life.
                                 <all>