Designates March of each year as "Fibromuscular Dysplasia Awareness Month."
Impact
The resolution does not create new laws but calls for increased awareness and understanding of FMD. By declaring March as a specific month for awareness, it encourages public officials and citizens to engage in activities that highlight the challenges faced by individuals suffering from this condition. It aims to foster a community dialogue around the disease and support ongoing research and education efforts. This could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment pathways for those affected by FMD.
Summary
SJR21 is a Senate Joint Resolution introduced in the New Jersey legislature that designates March of each year as 'Fibromuscular Dysplasia Awareness Month.' The resolution aims to raise awareness of Fibromuscular Dysplasia (FMD), a rare disease characterized by abnormal growth in the arterial wall, which can cause various complications including narrowing or tearing of arteries. This initiative seeks to educate the public and medical community about the disease, which is currently under-recognized and under-diagnosed, particularly as it primarily affects women.
Contention
Notably, the resolution's push for awareness is also framed against the backdrop of the difficulties patients and families face in obtaining accurate diagnoses and treatment options. As FMD is often misdiagnosed or overlooked, advocating for a dedicated month to focus on this condition is a response to the pressing need for better education among healthcare providers. The involvement of organizations like the Fibromuscular Dysplasia Society of America (FMDSA) further strengthens the call for awareness and research efforts, giving a voice to those impacted by this rare disease.