Today, Assemblyman Josh Jensen (R,C-Greece) presented a resolution on the Assembly floor to declare May 8 Thalassemia Awareness Day in New York state. In addition to the resolution, he presented the Secretary of Cooley’s Anemia Foundation Rochester Chapter (CAF), Denise Sheets, with a citation.

Thalassemia, also known as anemia, is a medical condition in which the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to its tissues. There are an estimated 2,000,000 people living in the U.S. who have thalassemia traits, most of whom don’t know they have it.

“It was my honor to have the Cooley’s Anemia Foundation in Albany to highlight their remarkable efforts and impact on assisting individuals with the illness and educating those who may not be informed about the condition,” said Jensen. “I strongly urge the state to move swiftly to provide them with the essential funding they need to continue the outstanding work they do.”

Cooley’s Anemia Foundation is requesting $250,000 from the state to continue their essential role in combating this illness and spreading awareness to potential carriers of the trait. In past attempts, the state and city have been under-responsive to funding requests. Jensen and the foundation hope to get this funding secured in a timely manner. 

“CAF thanks Assemblyman Josh Jensen for introducing a resolution in the Legislature to acknowledge May 8 as Thalassemia Awareness Day in New York. He is the first to recognize the need for thalassemia awareness and support our mission for the people affected,” said Steve Hemraj, a representative for Cooley’s Anemia Foundation.

View Jensen's Resolution on the floor here