PRINTER'S NO. 4150
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
1101
Session of
2018
INTRODUCED BY KIRKLAND, BIZZARRO, SCHLOSSBERG, CALTAGIRONE,
THOMAS, DONATUCCI, NEILSON, HILL-EVANS, SOLOMON, KINSEY,
MILLARD, YOUNGBLOOD, DRISCOLL AND DALEY, OCTOBER 3, 2018
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
OCTOBER 3, 2018
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the higher prevalence of asthma in the African-
American community in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Asthma is caused by the narrowing or blocking of the
lung airways, often making it difficult to breathe properly; and
WHEREAS, Patients with asthma may experience wheezing and
shortness of breath, along with coughing and a tightness in
their chest; and
WHEREAS, Asthma is a complex disease with many causes,
including inheriting the disease from a parent; and
WHEREAS, Ethnic and socioeconomic status creates disparities
in access to health care and exposure to environmental triggers,
including, but not limited to, dust mites, pests, mold,
secondhand smoke and pollution which contribute to asthma
symptoms; and
WHEREAS, There is no cure for asthma, but individuals with
asthma can manage the symptoms of the disease with treatment and
proper prevention by avoiding triggers; and
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WHEREAS, Compared to other races and ethnicities, African
Americans are not only more likely to have asthma, but the
disease is more likely to be severe; and
WHEREAS, African-American children have the highest
prevalence of asthma, about 13.4%, compared to 7.4% of non-
Hispanic white children with asthma; and
WHEREAS, African Americans living in low-income urban areas
have a greater prevalence of asthma and greater risk of dying
from asthma than African Americans overall; and
WHEREAS, African Americans are less likely to be seen by an
asthma specialist, have access to adequate follow-up or routine
health care to manage the disease or receive proper medication
to control the symptoms of asthma; and
WHEREAS, African-American adults are three times more likely
to be hospitalized as a result of asthma; and
WHEREAS, African-American children 2 to 17 years of age are
4.5 times more likely to be hospitalized as a result of asthma;
and
WHEREAS, African Americans die from asthma at a higher rate
than individuals of other races or ethnicities; and
WHEREAS, African Americans, especially African-American
women, are three times more likely to die from asthma than any
other group; and
WHEREAS, It is important to bring awareness to the
disparities in asthma care and treatment that exist in the
African-American community and ensure equal access in order to
protect all individuals; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the
higher prevalence of asthma in the African-American community in
Pennsylvania; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives support community
resources and programs that have proven strategies in improving
the health of African Americans with asthma.
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