Alaska Legislature proclaims May 2026 as Myositis Awareness Month

The Alaska Senate unanimously passed a resolution Wednesday proclaiming May 2026 as Myositis Awareness Month.

Senate Committee Substitute for House Concurrent Resolution 4 passed 20-0. The House later concurred in the Senate change, according to the official legislative bill record.

The Senate Health and Social Services Committee substitute updated the year from 2025 to 2026.

Sen. Kelly Merrick carried the resolution on the Senate floor. She described myositis as a rare autoimmune disease in which the body attacks its own muscles, causing chronic inflammation, weakness and pain.

Merrick said the condition can be difficult to diagnose, leading to delays in treatment, and that awareness can help with early detection, research and connection to care.