State Rep. Morales’ House Resolution Pushes to Recognize World Vitiligo Day in Florida
Vitiligo affects approximately 100 million people all over the world. Photo: Brock Elbank.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – House Resolution 8053 by State Representative Daisy Morales (D-Orlando) was published in the Florida House of Representatives journal to recognize June 25th as “Florida Vitiligo Awareness Day,” bringing the international initiative, World Vitiligo Day, to Florida.
World Vitiligo Day, first held in 2011, has become an annual global event. The campaign was born to bring this “forgotten” disease into the public eye, and to shine a light on challenges faced by those suffering from vitiligo—including roughly 6.5 million in the U.S. alone as of 2017, according to the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.
Vitiligo is a long-term, chronic medical condition that results in loss of pigmentation in patches on the skin, hair, eyes, and inside of the mouth. In the United States, around two to five million individuals are affected by this chronic medical condition. Approximately half of the cases were diagnosed during childhood thus requiring lifetime treatment.
Over the years, its purpose evolved from raising vitiligo awareness to also include recognition of the bullying, social neglect, psychological trauma and disability millions of people experience as a result of it. Representative Morales looks forward to championing the cause here in Florida.
“As someone who also has this disease, I want to thank those who are working tirelessly to produce real change in the lives of those with vitiligo and increasing awareness of this condition worldwide,” said Representative Morales.
“I recently joined the conversation with the FDA, which is searching for effective medication solutions for people with vitiligo. The FDA is accepting public comments on its public docket until May 10th.”
Concerned citizens can learn more on the FDA’s program here: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/news-events-human-drugs/public-meeting-patient-focused-drug-development-vitiligo-03082021-03082021
“I look forward to us elevating the discussion on vitiligo symptoms, treatment, and research,” Rep. Morales shared. “With this, I recognize June 25th as ‘Florida Vitiligo Awareness Day.’”
State Senator Janet Cruz (D-Tampa) filed a similar resolution in the Senate, SR 2058. Sen. Cruz’s daughter has vitiligo.