Supporting the designation of May 2025 as "National Myositis Awareness Month".
This House resolution (H. Res. 277) expresses support for designating May 2025 as National Myositis Awareness Month. It highlights that myositis, a group of rare, chronic autoimmune muscle-wasting diseases, affects many Americans and often presents with symptoms such as muscle inflammation, pain, fatigue, and swallowing difficulties. The resolution notes that diagnosis can be challenging, delaying treatment, and it points to disparities in outcomes, particularly for women and people of color. It also emphasizes the need for further research into causes and treatments across the spectrum of myositis conditions. As a non-binding, symbolic measure, the resolution does not create new programs or funding. Instead, it encourages public awareness and education about myositis, recognition of its impact on veterans and all U.S. citizens, and urges the public to become informed and to support those affected and their families.
Key Points
- 1Designates May 2025 as “National Myositis Awareness Month” to promote public awareness and education.
- 2Highlights the myositis family of diseases (including anti-MDA5 myositis, antisynthetase syndrome, dermatomyositis, juvenile dermatomyositis, immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy, inclusion body myositis, polymyositis) and the burden of symptoms such as muscle inflammation, pain, fatigue, and swallowing difficulties.
- 3Acknowledges challenges in diagnosis leading to delayed treatment and difficulty finding specialists, and notes that there is no cure with varying life expectancy impacts, particularly for inclusion body myositis.
- 4Recognizes health disparities, with women and people of color experiencing more pronounced disparities across forms of myositis.
- 5Encourages all Americans to become more informed and to support individuals and families affected by myositis, including recognizing its impact on veterans.