HR0773 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0773 LRB103 40581 MST 73175 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Celiac disease is one of the world's most prevalent genetic autoimmune diseases, affecting an estimated three million Americans, 70-80% of whom are undiagnosed; and

WHEREAS, Celiac disease causes the body to attack its own small intestine, which can lead to many other devastating health conditions, including cancer; and

WHEREAS, Celiac disease results in extraordinary economic and productivity costs to both the public and private sectors from employee and student absenteeism, as well as repeated, inconclusive visits to healthcare providers; and

WHEREAS, On average, it takes four years to be correctly diagnosed with celiac disease; and

WHEREAS, There is no medication or cure for celiac disease; the only treatment is a lifelong, strict gluten-free diet; and

WHEREAS, Studies show that up to 50% of people on a gluten-free diet continue to experience symptoms and have intestinal damage, revealing the ineffectiveness of the gluten-free diet as a treatment; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare May 2024 as Celiac Disease Awareness Month in the State of Illinois to raise public awareness of this serious condition; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we encourage support for improving the quality of life and health of individuals with celiac disease by advancing biomedical research to develop diagnostic tools, life-improving treatments, and a cure.