Joint Resolution No. 2 designates the first full week of May as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week in New Jersey. Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) is a serious neurological condition that results in uncontrollable movements and is often a side effect of medications used to treat mental health disorders. Despite the availability of treatments and the importance of early diagnosis, TD remains largely unrecognized, with many individuals affected by it remaining undiagnosed. The resolution emphasizes the need for increased public awareness and regular screenings for those taking dopamine receptor blocking agents, as approximately 600,000 people in the U.S. are estimated to be affected by TD.

The resolution calls for the Governor to issue an annual proclamation recognizing this week, aiming to encourage New Jersey residents to be vigilant about the symptoms and risk factors associated with TD. By promoting awareness, the resolution seeks to reduce the stigma surrounding the disorder and improve access to necessary care for those living with TD, ultimately fostering better mental health outcomes for affected individuals.