HOUSE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING JANUARY OF 2026, TO BE "FIREFIGHTER CANCER AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

This bill designates January 2026 as "Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month" in Rhode Island. It directly affects Rhode Island firefighters and the public by formally recognizing the heightened cancer risks they face, citing CDC/NIOSH data showing firefighters have up to 2 times higher risk for certain cancers like mesothelioma and lung cancer compared to the general population. The resolution serves as a symbolic gesture to promote awareness and support ongoing efforts by organizations like the IAFF and Firefighter Support Network to address firefighter cancer through education and prevention. It does not create new laws, funding, or mandates.