CO HJR1021

Declares February 28, 2025, as Rare Disease Day in Colorado to raise awareness of rare diseases

More than 500,000 Coloradans and 30 million Americans live with rare diseases, with 1 in 10 people affected

Over 10,000 rare diseases exist (defined as conditions affecting fewer than 200,000 Americans), yet fewer than 5% have FDA-approved treatments

Direct medical costs for rare disease patients are 3-5 times higher than for common diseases, totaling an estimated $400 billion annually

An estimated 15 million U.S. children have rare diseases, with 30% not surviving to age five