A joint resolution designating November, 1984, as "National Christmas Seal Month".
PL 98-468 (S.J.Res.324), enacted 10/11/1984

PUBLIC LAW 98-468—OCT. 11, 1984 
98 STAT. 1829 
Public Law 98-468 
98th Congress 
Joint Resolution 
Designating the month of November 1984 as "National Christmas Seal Month". 
Whereas among the fastest rising causes of death in our country are 
chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. More than seven million 
Americans, among them over two million children, suffer from 
asthma. More than two million of our people have emphysema. 
Almost eight million Americans suffer from chronic bronchitis. 
Before the end of this decade it is projected that deaths from lung 
cancer will surpass breast cancer as the leading cause of cancer 
deaths among American women; 
Whereas one out of twelve, or more than seventeen million Ameri-
cans are afflicted with chronic diseases of the lung. The conse-
quence is more than two hundred and twenty-five thousand 
deaths annually, with a cost to the Nation of more than 
$29,400,000 in medical expenses, lost wages, and untold dollars in 
lost productivity; 
Whereas the American Lung Association—the Christmas Seal 
people—is a nonprofit public health organization supported by 
individual contributions to Christmas Seals and other donations. 
It is this Nation's first national voluntary health organization. 
Founded in 1904 to combat tuberculosis, today the association, its 
medical section, the American Thoracic Society, and its one hun-
dred and forty-four federated associations throughout the country, 
are dedicated to the control and prevention of all lung diseases 
and some of their related causes. These include smoking, air 
pollution, and occupational lung hazards; 
Whereas, since 1907, Christmas Seals have been used by the associa-
tion to raise funds through private contributions, to pioneer and 
develop health education programs in our schools. The tradition 
remains strong. This year, sixty million homes will receive 
Christmas Seals; 
Whereas this year the association is conducting a new public educa-
tion program, "Marijuana: A Second Look"—which is targeted to 
nine, ten, and eleven-year-old children. It is not waiting until 
marijuana smokers begin suffering from profound lung diseases 
before it acts. The program is teaching America's youth about the 
hazards of marijuana smoke to lungs. Once again, the association 
is taking a leadership role in protecting this country's lung health; 
and 
Whereas, through its community lung associations, the American 
Lung Association helps educate the public, patients, and their 
families about all forms of lung diseases and their causes, and 
sponsors community action programs. In the past decade, it has 
provided more than $10,800,000 for research programs specifically 
designed to investigate prevention and control of lung diseases. It 
has pioneered in the development of self-management programs 
as an adjunct to medical care of asthma both for children and 
Oct. 11, 1984 
[S.J. Res. 324] 
98 STAT. 1830 
PUBLIC LAW 98-468—OCT. 11, 1984 
adults. And it conducts vigorous campaigns against cigarette 
smoking and air pollution: Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled, That the month of No-
vember 1984 is designated "National Christmas Seal Month". The 
President is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon all 
Government agencies, educational, philanthropic, scientific, medi-
cal, health care organizations and professionals, and the people of 
the United States to observe that month with appropriate ceremo-
nies and activities. 
Approved October 11, 1984. 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—S.J. Res. 324: 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 130 (1984): 
Aug. 3, considered and passed Senate. 
Oct. 2, considered and passed House.