No. 22
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
219th LEGISLATURE
PRE-FILED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2020 SESSION
Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman VALERIE VAINIERI HUTTLE
District 37 (Bergen)
Assemblywoman CAROL A. MURPHY
District 7 (Burlington)
SYNOPSIS
Designates March as Multiple System Atrophy Awareness Month.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
Introduced Pending Technical Review by Legislative Counsel.
A Joint Resolution designating March as Multiple System Atrophy Awareness Month.
Whereas, Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a combination of symptoms that affect both the automatic nervous system and movement; and
Whereas, According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, MSA may affect between 15,000 and 50,000 Americans, including men and women of all races; and
Whereas, Symptoms, including problems with heart rate, progressive loss of motor function and difficulties with balance, coordination, gait, bladder and bowel control, speech, swallowing, and breathing, advance rapidly over the course of five to 10 years once symptoms initially appear; and
Whereas, While there are medications that treat MSA symptoms, researchers continue to search for medications with fewer side effects as well as methods to better manage the disease until a cure is found; and
Whereas, A multidisciplinary approach to MSA care includes physical, psychological, and financial support for patients, caregivers, support groups, and MSA research foundations; and
Whereas, The worldwide MSA community has designated March as Multiple System Atrophy Awareness Month to increase awareness of the devastating effects of MSA; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. Each year, March shall be designated as Multiple System Atrophy Awareness Month.
2. The Governor may issue a proclamation annually recognizing March as Multiple System Atrophy Awareness Month and call upon public officials and the residents of the State of New Jersey to observe the month with appropriate activities and programs.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This joint resolution designates March of each year as Multiple System Atrophy Awareness Month.
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a combination of symptoms that affect both the automatic nervous system and movement. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, MSA may affect between 15,000 and 50,000 Americans, including men and women of all races. Symptoms, including problems with heart rate, progressive loss of motor function and difficulties with balance, coordination, gait, bladder and bowel control, speech, swallowing, and breathing advance rapidly over the course of five to 10 years once symptoms initially appear. While there are medications that treat MSA symptoms, researchers continue to search for medications with fewer side effects as well as methods to better manage the disease until a cure is found.