Alopecia Awareness Month Proclaimed

Senate Resolution No. 137 BY: Senator PERSAUD MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 2025, 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 2025, 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 2025, 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.