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Once again a resolution is before the House to make May officially National
Celiac Awareness Month.  Maybe with health care reform behind them, Congress
can focus on this and other resolutions. A resolution has been put before
congress for 3 years without Congress acting on it. 

 

This year at the Digestive Disease Coalition's Public Policy Forum,
including its members Celiac Sprue Association and the National Foundation
for Celiac Awareness, advocated for this resolution. That now means ALL USA
celiac organizations are on the same page with this issue. 

 

Please show your support of H. Con Res. 110 by replying via email to Andrea
Levario, Exec Director of the American Celiac Disease Alliance
([log in to unmask]). You can forward this email with your
complete company name and contact information in it or send a new email and
in the subject line type "In support of Celiac Awareness Month". Don't
forget to include your company name and contact information.

 

Thank you in advance for your support.

 

If you are an individual, write a letter or email to your Congressional
Representative. Ask them to support passage of this resolution.

 

A copy of the resolution text is below for your information.

 

		
	

111th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. CON. RES. 110

 

Supporting the goals and ideals of National Celiac Awareness Month, and for
other purposes.

 

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

April 27, 2009

Mrs. LOWEY submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred
to the Committee on Energy and Commerce

  _____  

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

 

Supporting the goals and ideals of National Celiac Awareness Month, and for
other purposes.

 

Whereas celiac disease, or gluten intolerance, is a genetic autoimmune
disease that affects 1 of every 133 people in the United States;

Whereas research indicates that there are approximately 3 million people
with celiac disease in the United States, yet only approximately 120,000 of
those have been diagnosed;

Whereas approximately 1 in 22 first-degree relatives of people diagnosed
with celiac disease will also be diagnosed with celiac disease;

Whereas the average time frame for diagnosing celiac disease in the United
States is 11 years from the original onset of symptoms;

Whereas celiac disease affects equal percentages of men and women;

Whereas celiac disease may have severe and varied detrimental effects on the
body, and the health care costs associated with celiac disease are unknown;

Whereas people with celiac disease tend to have other autoimmune diseases as
well;

Whereas it is estimated at approximately 10 percent of individuals with Type
I Diabetes and an estimated 16 percent of individuals with Down Syndrome
have celiac disease;

Whereas the only known treatment for celiac disease is strict adherence to a
gluten-free diet;

Whereas it is particularly important for students with celiac disease to
have access to their medically prescribed diet while at school and in
school-based activities;

Whereas the NIH Consensus Development Conference on Celiac Disease held in
June 2004 found that consultation with a skilled dietitian and
identification and treatment of nutritional deficiencies were key elements
in the management of celiac disease;

Whereas the consensus panel on celiac disease recommended the
standardization of serologic tests and pathologic criteria for the diagnosis
of celiac disease, the adoption of a standard definition of a gluten-free
diet based on objective evidence such as that being developed by the
American Dietetic Association, and the development of an adequate testing
procedure to determine the amount of gluten in foods and of a definition of
standards for gluten-free foods in the United States to lay the foundation
for rational food labeling;

Whereas increased recognition and awareness of celiac disease will have a
significant positive impact on the quality of life of people with celiac
disease; and

 

Whereas numerous organizations recognize May as National Celiac Awareness
Month: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That
Congress--

(1) supports the goals and ideals of National Celiac Awareness Month;

(2) should work with health care providers and celiac disease advocacy and
education organizations to encourage screening and early detection of celiac
disease; and

(3) should increase Federal funding for celiac disease research.

 

Cynthia Kupper, RD; Executive Director

Gluten Intolerance Group of North America (GIG)

31214 124 Ave SE, Auburn WA 98092-3667

P: 253-833-6655 ext 104; F: 253-833-6675

 

Websites:

www.GLUTEN.net (consumer education)                       www.TAGSatGIG.org
(teen advocates with gluten sensitivities)

www.GFCO.org (certified gluten-free products)          www.GFFS.org
(gluten-free food service accreditation)

www.GlutenFreeRestaurants.org (gluten-free restaurant awareness program)

 


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