HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2020-4654

HR 4654

ByRepresentatives Mosbrucker, Dye, Kraft, Chambers, Orwall, Shea, and Shewmake

WHEREAS, Arthritis is a chronic health problem that is the nation's leading cause of physical disability among Americans and is most common among people with multiple chronic conditions; and

WHEREAS, Arthritis causes pain and loss of movement, can limit everyday activities such as walking and dressing, and can even lead to death; and

WHEREAS, A child can develop Juvenile Arthritis at any age sixteen and under, even as early as one year old or younger; and

WHEREAS, An estimated three hundred thousand children under eighteen years of age have a form of Juvenile Arthritis or a rheumatic condition, representing approximately one in every two hundred fifty children in the United States; and

WHEREAS, There are an estimated six thousand one hundred children who live with Juvenile Arthritis in Washington state; and

WHEREAS, Childhood arthritis can make it hard to take part in social and after-school activities. It can also make school work more difficult; and

WHEREAS, Children with Juvenile Arthritis are at a higher risk of depression as well as increased difficulties with learning, peer relationships, and leisure activities; being bullied is common, as are feelings of low self-esteem and self-worth; and

WHEREAS, Parents of a child with Juvenile Arthritis are more likely to report work time loss, and an increased loss of income potential than parents having no children with the disease; and

WHEREAS, Family care giver advocates and organizations, such as the Arthritis Foundation and the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance are striving to bring about positive changes for children with any form of Juvenile Arthritis; and

WHEREAS, Through research, training, public services, support groups, advocacy, and increased awareness, we will be more understanding, inclusive, and better equipped to support the growing number of children with Juvenile Arthritis and their families;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives honor and support individuals with Juvenile Arthritis, and acknowledge the tremendous courage that they and their families put forth every day.