NY J01673

Requests Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 2026 as Autoimmune Awareness Month in New York State, aligning with National Autoimmune Awareness Month

Notes that autoimmune diseases affect up to 50 million Americans, with 80% of those affected being women, and are among the top 10 leading causes of death for women under 65

Highlights that over 140 autoimmune diseases exist with no known cures, and patients spend an average of 4.5 years and $50,000 to receive a correct diagnosis

States annual direct health care costs for autoimmune diseases exceed $100.78 billion nationally, with approximately 250,000 new diagnoses each year

Calls for increased public education, research funding, and improved diagnostic methods for autoimmune conditions