NJ SJR88

Designates the last day of February each year as "Rare Disease Awareness Day" in New Jersey to raise public awareness, encourage support for affected patients and families, and promote research into rare diseases and treatments

Approximately 7,000 rare diseases affect nearly 30 million Americans, with a rare disease defined as any condition affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the United States

Over 15 million Americans with rare diseases currently have no disease-specific treatment available, despite approximately 420 orphan drugs and biologics being approved

Requests the Governor to annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and citizens to observe the day with appropriate activities and programs

Aligns New Jersey with the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) nationwide observance, when patients, medical professionals, researchers, and government officials join to focus attention on rare diseases as a public health issue