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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
20-49
In the Council of the District of Columbia
May 7, 2013
To recognize the need for asthma awareness and to declare May 7, 2013 as “World Asthma Day” in the District of Columbia.
WHEREAS, asthma is a serious chronic lung disease of growing public health concern that affects over 18,000 children and 52,000 adults in the District of Columbia;
WHEREAS, the childhood current asthma prevalence rate in the District has been increasing steadily over the past 3 years from 13% to 18%, while the national rate has remained steady at approximately 8%;
WHEREAS, the adult current asthma prevalence rate in the District is 20% higher than the rate for the United States;
WHEREAS, current asthma prevalence is highest in Wards 7, 8, and 6, which are the geographic areas of the city with high concentrations of poverty, poor health outcomes, and environmental risks;
WHEREAS, the total cost to the District, including productivity losses due to morbidity, mortality, and incremental number of days lost from work and school, is estimated to be more than $60 million;
WHEREAS, asthma episodes can be prevented and asthma can be managed with proper education and treatment;
WHEREAS, the DC Asthma Partnership is a public-private partnership with the mission to reduce asthma morbidity and mortality and to improve the quality of life for residents of the District of Columbia;
WHEREAS, on May 7, 2013, the DC Asthma Partnership will observe this day to raise awareness of the asthma epidemic and understanding of asthma in the community; and
WHEREAS, the Council of the District of Columbia recognizes asthma as a priority and is dedicated to promoting increased asthma awareness and improved asthma management in the community.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the “World Asthma Day Recognition Resolution of 2013”.
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes the need for asthma awareness and declares May 7, 2013 as “World Asthma Day” in the District of Columbia.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon the first date of publication in the District of Columbia Register.
