Senate Resolution No. 1549

BY: Senator PERSAUD

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
September 2024, as Alopecia Areata Awareness Month
in the State of New York

WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in recognizing
official months established to increase awareness of serious health
issues that affect the lives of all New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 2024, as Alopecia Areata
Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Alopecia Areata Awareness Month; and

WHEREAS, Alopecia Areata affects as many as 6.8 million people in
America and causes hair loss which can range from patches of hair,
typically circular and coin-size, to complete hair loss, otherwise known
as Alopecia Totalis; and

WHEREAS, While there is no known cause for this autoimmune disease,
several factors seem to contribute; some evidence shows genes which
control T regulator cells may be involved in Alopecia Areata, and
patients who have other autoimmune diseases like autoimmune
polyglandular syndrome (APS) or autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD), may
be predictive of poor outcomes with treatment; and

WHEREAS, Although there is no known cure, it is generally possible
for Alopecia Areata patients to regrow hair because the hair follicle is
not totally destroyed or scarred as it is with cicatricial (scarring)
alopecias; and

WHEREAS, Bringing awareness to this disease is designed to help
those experiencing hair loss remain confident and positive, despite
their condition; hair loss often carries a stigma that can only be
dispelled with education and knowledge, and for many with this disease,
the emotional aspect of living with hair loss can be the greatest
challenge; and

WHEREAS, During the month of September, many communities across
America will be holding special events to bring awareness to this
disease, and minor and major league baseball teams have joined in
helping NAAF get the word out that it is nothing to be ashamed of; and

WHEREAS, The National Institutes of Health and other organizations
are continuously supporting research that may one day put an end to this
disease; currently, researchers are studying the development of hair
follicles in hopes of finding treatments which will address the cause of
this disease, and investigating genetic clues with the hopes of
developing therapies and early intervention strategies; and

WHEREAS, Fortunately, Alopecia Areata is not a life-threatening
illness, nor does it cause any pain; it is not contagious and most
people with this disease are generally healthy; and

WHEREAS, Alopecia Areata does not interfere with life or long-term
plans and, while the course of the disease varies and is generally
unpredictable, hair often regrows; there are treatments which can help
restart hair regrowth, and hair replacement can ease the emotional
struggles for those who have less than optimal regrowth; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is aware of the impact that Alopecia
Areata can have on people living with the disorder, and recognizes the
need for enhanced public awareness, as well as supports the goals and
ideals of Alopecia Areata Awareness Month, as designated by the National
Alopecia Areata Foundation; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 2024, as
Alopecia Areata Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.