Illinois General Assembly - Full Text of SR0396

SR0396 LRB104 14811 LAW 27954 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Genetic counselors empower patients and their families with vital healthcare information, guidance, and emotional support to help them understand their family history, evaluate genetic testing options, and make informed choices based on test results; and

WHEREAS, There are more than 150 certified genetic counselors working in prenatal, fertility, pediatric, metabolic, cardiovascular, neurological, and cancer care in Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Many people benefit from increased genetic sequencing research and genetic counseling, including individuals with a condition linked to a specific gene or those who have a family history of an inherited disease; and

WHEREAS, The 5,000 genetic counselors across the country streamline the healthcare industry by ensuring the right tests are being ordered, avoiding costly and unnecessary expenses and tests, by helping patients and providers understand complex test results and how to best use this information, by helping consult with potential parents on the intimidating prospect of passing on inherited diseases, by sharing information with family members, and by providing recommendations for community support services; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare November 13, 2025 as Genetic Counselor Appreciation Day in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we recognize that the sequencing of the human genome is one of the most significant scientific accomplishments in the past 100 years and express our support for genetic counselors, who are using this research to improve the lives of many throughout the State.