Senator Declan O’Scanlon’s resolution to establish March 30 as Menstrual Toxic Shock Syndrome Awareness Day has moved forward with unanimous support from the Senate Health, Human Services & Senior Citizens Committee. The resolution aims to enhance awareness of this serious bacterial infection, which is often linked to tampon use and affects approximately 17 in every 100,000 women aged 13 to 25 annually.
O’Scanlon emphasized the importance of the resolution by stating, “By passing this resolution, we can increase understanding of this illness, promote early detection of its symptoms, and highlight the importance of women’s health.” Despite being recognized since the 1980s, there has been little progress in reducing the number of cases.
Menstrual Toxic Shock Syndrome presents with general symptoms such as fever, headache, and weakness. It requires immediate medical attention due to potential severe outcomes like organ damage or even death. O’Scanlon further remarked on the legislative responsibility by saying, “It is our duty as legislators to ensure that women have access to life-saving resources and information.”
Previously, O’Scanlon sponsored a public awareness campaign focused on women’s reproductive health and preventative care. The full text of his current resolution (SJR-49) is available online for public viewing.
For more information or inquiries regarding Senator O’Scanlon’s initiatives, Jennifer Collins can be contacted at [email protected].
