Recognizing May 2026 as "Fibromyalgia Awareness Month" in the State of Rhode Island

WHEREAS, Fibromyalgia, a chronic medical condition affecting the central nervous system for which there is currently no cure, causes fatigue and debilitating pain in women, men, and children, many of whom go undiagnosed; and

WHEREAS, Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, cognitive difficulties, and other symptoms that significantly impact quality of life, and patients with this chronic pain illness often live with widespread body pain, extreme fatigue, sleep disorders, stiffness, weakness, headaches, numbness, tingling, memory impairment, and difficulty concentrating; and

WHEREAS, The risk of developing fibromyalgia is about eight times higher for first- degree relatives of affected individuals; and

WHEREAS, Patients with fibromyalgia often have a number of co-existing conditions which may include chronic myofascial pain, IBS, TMJD, migraines, environmental sensitivities, anxiety, and depression; and

WHEREAS, Fibromyalgia affects millions of individuals in the United States and around the world, with many patients facing challenges in obtaining timely diagnosis, effective treatment, and public understanding of their condition; and

WHEREAS, It may take years to receive a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, and medical professionals are frequently inadequately educated on the current research, diagnosis, and treatment of fibromyalgia; and

WHEREAS, Increased public awareness and education regarding fibromyalgia can help reduce stigma, encourage compassionate support for those living with the condition, and promote earlier recognition and access to care to better support people who struggle with the multifaceted management challenges of this complex chronic pain illness and common co-existing conditions; and

WHEREAS, Healthcare providers, researchers, advocates, caregivers, and individuals living with fibromyalgia continue to work toward advancing research, improving treatment options, and supporting those impacted by chronic pain disorders; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby recognizes May 2026 as "Fibromyalgia Awareness Month" and May 12, 2026 as "Fibromyalgia Awareness Day", and encourages all residents, organizations, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to increase awareness and understanding of fibromyalgia and support those affected by this condition; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the National Fibromyalgia Association.