This bill proposes a supplemental appropriation of $500,000 to the Department of Health (DOH) specifically for the Huntington's Disease Grant Program. The funds will be allocated to support grants for institutions of higher education, non-profit organizations, or New Jersey-based research organizations. These grants will facilitate services such as pre-symptomatic testing, neurology and psychiatry services, neurophysiological evaluations, treatment, disease management, and counseling for individuals living with or at risk for Huntington's disease. With this additional funding, the total available for the program in fiscal year 2023 will increase from an estimated $200,437 to $700,437.

Huntington's disease is a hereditary and fatal condition that leads to the progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the brain, significantly impacting physical and mental abilities during a person's prime working years. The disease manifests in various symptoms similar to those of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. In New Jersey, it is estimated that between 900 to 1,200 residents are currently living with Huntington's disease, with an additional 7,000 individuals considered at risk. The bill aims to enhance support for those affected by this debilitating condition through increased funding for essential health services.