Declare Eosinophil Awareness Week

Assembly Resolution No. 1378 BY: M. of A. Rules (Buttenschon) MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 17-23, 2026, as Eosinophil Awareness Week in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to help increase awareness of serious health conditions that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 17-23, 2026, as Eosinophil Awareness Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with National Eosinophil Awareness Week; and WHEREAS, Eosinophils are normal cellular components of the blood and certain tissues, including the spleen, lymph nodes, thymus, and submucosal areas of the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and genitourinary tracts; disorders occur when eosinophils are found in high numbers in various parts of the body; and WHEREAS, Eosinophilia is the presence of too many eosinophils in the body; an eosinophil is part of a group of cells called white blood cells; the complete blood count (CBC) test is utilized to indicate the presence of this disorder and often detects parasites, allergies, or even cancer; and WHEREAS, Blood eosinophilia occurs when the eosinophil levels are high in the blood and is found in blood testing, and tissue eosinophilia is the result of high levels in inflamed tissues which may be discovered through a biopsy since the eosinophil level may not always produce a high count in a blood test; and WHEREAS, When the body is fighting a foreign substance, such as an allergen, eosinophils converge on the affected area and release toxins; however, an overabundance of these defenders can cause chronic inflammation and tissue damage; and WHEREAS, General categories of disease as a result of high levels of eosinophils range from allergic disorders to endocrine disorders; and WHEREAS, In 2007, the American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (APFED) drafted language to establish a National Eosinophil Awareness Week (NEAW); on May 15, 2007, the United States House of Representatives passed House Bill No. 296, permanently designating the third week of May as NEAW; and WHEREAS, The objective of this specific week is awareness and education for both the general public and the medical community; it is imperative that information, understanding, and mindfulness are bolstered; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 17-23, 2026, as Eosinophil Awareness Week 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.