Bill Summary
This resolution expresses the support of the House of Representatives for designating the month of September 2022 as "National Dystonia Awareness Month". The purpose of this designation is to raise awareness and understanding of the disorder of dystonia, which is a neurological movement disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. The resolution highlights the impact of dystonia on individuals and their caregivers, and recognizes the need for more research to find a cure. It also encourages people and organizations to participate in activities that promote public awareness and understanding of dystonia and its impact.
Possible Impacts
1. The legislation could potentially increase public awareness and understanding of dystonia, which could lead to more support and resources for individuals living with the disorder.
2. It could also encourage more research and funding for finding a cure for dystonia, which could greatly benefit those affected by the disorder.
3. The legislation may also bring attention to the fact that dystonia is often misdiagnosed, leading to delayed treatment and care for individuals living with the disorder. This could potentially lead to improved diagnostic methods and earlier intervention for those with dystonia.
[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1413 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
117th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 1413
Expressing support for designation of September 2022 as ``National
Dystonia Awareness Month'' and raising awareness and understanding of
the disorder of dystonia.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
September 30, 2022
Mr. Smith of New Jersey (for himself and Ms. Schakowsky) submitted the
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Expressing support for designation of September 2022 as ``National
Dystonia Awareness Month'' and raising awareness and understanding of
the disorder of dystonia.
Whereas dystonia is the third most common movement disorder, affecting no fewer
than 300,000 people in the United States and millions worldwide;
Whereas dystonia is a neurological movement disorder presenting in various
forms, characterized by involuntary muscle contractions causing
repetitive or twisting movements;
Whereas symptoms of dystonia can range from very mild to severe and may affect
only one muscle, only one group of muscles, or muscles throughout the
body including those that move the foot, hand, neck, eyes, and mouth;
Whereas people with dystonia may experience physical pain, depression, and
anxiety, and dystonia can impede the ability to perform daily tasks;
Whereas there are limited treatments for dystonia, and there is currently no
cure;
Whereas dystonia is commonly misdiagnosed, delaying access to appropriate
medical care for those affected;
Whereas caregivers and family members provide physical, emotional, and financial
support associated with caring for persons living with dystonia;
Whereas the severity of the symptoms of dystonia and the limited public
awareness of the disease can cause isolation for people with dystonia;
Whereas National Dystonia Awareness Month will raise public awareness and
understanding of the disorder of dystonia, a disorder affecting people
of all ages, races, ethnicities, genders, and socioeconomic classes;
Whereas National Dystonia Awareness Month will also increase awareness and
knowledge of the impact that the various forms of dystonia have on those
affected and their caregivers and families;
Whereas the dystonia community is united in raising awareness throughout
September; and
Whereas the Benign Essential Blepharospasm Research Foundation, the Dystonia
Medical Research Foundation, the National Spasmodic Dysphonia
Association, and the National Spasmodic Torticollis Association are
dedicated to--
(1) conducting research to find treatments and a cure for dystonia;
(2) fostering public awareness and understanding of the disorder;
(3) educating patients and their families about dystonia to improve
their quality of life, treatment opportunities, and care; and
(4) providing support and encouraging people to become advocates,
including through annual patient education conferences, school-based
educational programs, and local events to raise funds for dystonia
research, education, advocacy, and awareness: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) supports the designation of ``National Dystonia
Awareness Month'';
(2) supports the goals and ideals of National Dystonia
Awareness Month to raise public awareness and understanding of
dystonia;
(3) recognizes the need for additional research to find a
cure for all forms of dystonia; and
(4) encourages all people in the United States and
interested groups to support National Dystonia Awareness Month
through activities to promote public awareness of dystonia and
foster the understanding of the impact of dystonia in people
living with it and their caregivers and families.
<all>