Reps. Kooiman, Accavitti, Adamini, Anderson, Baxter, Bennett, Booher, Brown, Byrnes, Byrum, Caswell, Caul, Clack, Clemente, Condino, Cushingberry, Farrah, Gaffney, Gleason, Hansen, Hildenbrand, Hopgood, Kahn, Kehrl, Lemmons, III, Lemmons, Jr., Lipsey, Mayes, McDowell, Meyer, Miller, Mortimer, Palsrok, Pearce, Plakas, Polidori, Proos, Sak, Shaffer, Sheltrown, Alma Smith, Spade, Stahl, Stewart, Taub, Tobocman, Vagnozzi, Vander Veen, Waters, Wojno and Zelenko offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 63.

A resolution proclaiming May 2005 as Hepatitis Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.

Whereas, It is estimated that 4 million Americans are infected with the Hepatitis C virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control, which contributes to approximately 8,000 to 10,000 deaths each year; and

Whereas, It is estimated that 180,000 Michigan residents may carry the Hepatitis C virus and not know they are infected; and

Whereas, The Centers for Disease Control has reported that the Hepatitis C virus is associated with end stage liver disease, and this is the most frequent indication for liver transplantation among adults; and

Whereas, As published by the American Journal of Public Health, the estimated costs to the United States to treat the Hepatitis C virus will exceed $13 billion for the years 2010 through 2019; and

Whereas, Awareness of testing and counseling is critical to halting the spread of blood born pathogens; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body proclaim May 2005 as Hepatitis Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.