H.R. 3359 would particularly focus on increasing awareness of autoimmune diseases among women and minority communities who are disproportionately affected by autoimmune diseases. This bill would also provide funds for education on the relationship between autoimmune diseases and cognitive and mood disorders such as depression. (To see the full text of the bill, go to http://thomas.loc.gov and under bills, type in H.R. 3359)

Please contact your Representatives and ask them to work with Representative Patrick Kennedys and Representative Fred Uptons offices to support the Prevention, Awareness, and Research Autoimmune Disease Act (H.R. 3359).

Autoimmunity as a disease group lacks public awareness more than any other disease category. Because of this situation, most persons are unable to inform their physicians of a family history of autoimmune diseases; and the question is usually not included in a medical history form. This creates a platform for misdiagnosis. A major cause of death in autoimmune diseases is lack of early diagnosis. According to a September 2000 issue of the American Journal of Public Health, autoimmune diseases are a leading cause of death in young women and children up to the age of 65. And yet, autoimmune research is one of the most under-funded areas of medical research in the United States while autoimmune diseases are the third most common cause of disability, following heart disease and cancer

H.R. 3359 would provide significant funding for awareness of autoimmune diseases which is critical in obtaining a diagnosis and proper treatment. It would also provide funding for additional research into autoimmune diseases which is desperately needed. Please contact your Representative today and urge them to support the Prevention, Awareness, and Research Autoimmune Disease Act. (H.R. 3359)