JOINT RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING MARCH AS ACCESS TO PLASMA PROTEIN THERAPIES MONTH

WHEREAS,  tens of thousands of individuals across the United States are reliant upon plasma protein therapies and recombinant analogs, known as "plasma protein therapies," to treat rare life-threatening genetic and autoimmune disorders; and

WHEREAS,  several hundred individuals in the State of Maine have been diagnosed with these rare disorders; and

WHEREAS,  these disorders, including hemophilia and other bleeding disorders, primary immunodeficiency diseases and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, are most effectively treated with plasma protein therapies; and

WHEREAS,  these individuals need access to the full range of plasma protein therapies to help ensure the best possible clinical outcomes; and

WHEREAS,  these individuals require access to the appropriate providers and designated centers of excellence appropriate to their health care needs; and

WHEREAS,  these individuals need access to options in pharmacy services and the delivery of home-based services; and

WHEREAS,  access to comprehensive care has been shown to markedly improve patient outcomes; now, therefore, be it

That We, the Members of the One Hundred Twenty-third Legislature now assembled in the First Regular Session, on behalf of the people we represent, designate March as Access to Plasma Protein Therapies Month, and we call upon the people of Maine to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities.