U.S. Senate passes psoriasis resolution calling for improved
research and access to care
Portland, Ore., Aug. 1, 2006—The U.S. Senate passed Senate Resolution 420 (S. Res. 420), a bipartisan resolution calling for improvements in treatment and access to care for individuals with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Sen. Gordon Smith, R-Ore., lead sponsor of the resolution, is a dedicated champion for the psoriasis community and worked to ensure passage of the measure prior to Psoriasis Awareness Month in August.
Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., joined Smith in leading the effort; they were supported by Sens. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., Robert Menendez, D-N.J., Rick Santorum, R-Pa., John Warner, R-Va., and Ron Wyden, D-Ore.
The resolution recognizes that psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis can be painful, debilitating diseases that can significantly and adversely impact quality of life. Millions of people hold misconceptions about psoriasis, and it remains an often misunderstood disease. The resolution draws much-needed attention to the seriousness of psoriasis, the importance of early diagnosis and proper treatment, and the need for public awareness about psoriasis.
Through passage of the resolution, the U. S. Senate is encouraging the federal government to expand its psoriasis research efforts, including the psychological and physical effects of the disease. The Senate resolution also supports efforts to increase access to treatments for individuals living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The National Psoriasis Foundation will work with members of Congress and federal research agencies to ensure that the intent of the resolution is carried out.
"The National Psoriasis Foundation applauds today's Senate passage of an important resolution seeking to improve psoriasis research and access to care," said Gail M. Zimmerman, president and CEO of the National Psoriasis Foundation. "As many as 7.5 million Americans live with psoriasis, which is a serious disease. Thanks to the leadership of Senators Smith and Lautenberg, the need to boost psoriasis research and access to care has been elevated at the highest level of government."
Passage of S. Res. 420 is part of a comprehensive federal legislative agenda being pursued in Washington, D.C., by the Psoriasis Foundation. The Psoriasis Foundation is also advocating passage of a resolution in the House of Representatives that is similar to the Senate resolution. The House resolution (H. Con. Res. 340) urges expansion of genetic, clinical and basic research focused on increasing understanding of the causes of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. It also calls for the Secretary of Health and Human Services to convene a special panel to study the availability of treatments for individuals with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
About Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a noncontagious, genetic disease of the immune system that results when faulty signals in the immune system prompt skin cells to regenerate too quickly, causing red, scaly lesions that can crack and bleed. It often affects the elbows, knees, scalp and torso but can appear anywhere on the body. As many as 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis, according to the National Institutes of Health. Ten percent to 30 percent of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory disease which causes pain, stiffness and swelling in and around the joints. Psoriasis can affect anyone at any age, including children. There is no cure yet for this lifelong disease.
About the National Psoriasis Foundation
The National Psoriasis Foundation is the leading patient-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of people with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis, and their families. We focus on education, advocacy and research toward better treatments, and a cure. For more information, please call the Psoriasis Foundation, headquartered in Portland, Ore., at 800.723.9166, or visit www.psoriasis.org.
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