2026 House Resolution 251

Whereas, A rare disease is a disease, disorder, illness, or condition that affects fewer than 200,000 Americans; and

Whereas, There are over 10,000 rare diseases that together affect more than thirty million Americans, including many Michiganders, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders; and

Whereas, Many rare diseases are chronic, progressive, and debilitating, significantly impacting the lives of those affected; and

Whereas, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved hundreds of drugs for the treatment of rare diseases, but most rare diseases do not have treatments available; and

Whereas, Individuals and families affected by rare diseases often experience challenges such as diagnostic delay, difficulty finding medical experts, and lack of access to treatments or ancillary services; and

Whereas, The rare disease community is often underrepresented in funding, research, clinical trials, and advocacy efforts, with much of the burden to raise public awareness and support placed on those affected; and

Whereas, The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) is organizing a nationwide observance of Rare Disease Day on February 28, 2026; and

Whereas, Thousands of patients, caregivers, medical professionals, researchers, pharmaceutical companies, and others in Michigan will participate in this observance; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare February 28, 2026, as Rare Disease Day in the state of Michigan.