Assembly Resolution No. 878
BY: M. of A. McDonald
MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
May 5-11, 2024, as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week
in the State of New York
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to help increase
awareness of serious health conditions that affect the lives of citizens
of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 5-11, 2024, as Tardive
Dyskinesia Awareness Week in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Many people with serious mental health conditions, such as
bipolar disorder, major depressive disorders, schizophrenia, and
schizoaffective disorder, or gastrointestinal disorders, including
gastroparesis, nausea, and vomiting, may be treated with medications
that work as dopamine receptor blocking agents (DRBAs), including
antipsychotics and antiemetics; and
WHEREAS, While ongoing treatment with these medications can be
necessary, prolonged use of the medications is associated with tardive
dyskinesia (TD), an involuntary movement disorder that is characterized
by uncontrollable, abnormal and repetitive movements of the face, torso,
and/or other body parts; and
WHEREAS, Even mild symptoms of TD can impact people physically,
socially and emotionally; and
WHEREAS, It is estimated that TD affects approximately 600,000
people in the U.S., and approximately 65% of people with TD have not
been diagnosed, making it important to raise awareness about the
symptoms and impact of TD because even mild symptoms of TD can have
physical, social and emotional consequences; and
WHEREAS, It is important that people taking these medications be
monitored for TD; regular screening for TD in these patients is
recommended by the American Psychiatric Association (APA); and
WHEREAS, Recognition and treatment of TD can make a positive impact
in the lives of many people experiencing psychotic and mood disorders;
and
WHEREAS, Clinical research has led to the availability of two
treatments for adults with TD by the United States Food and Drug
Administration; and
WHEREAS, Anyone experiencing symptoms of TD should consult their
physician for support; and
WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this
serious health condition, and more must be done to increase and raise
awareness of TD among the public and the medical community; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 5-11, 2024, as Tardive
Dyskinesia Awareness Week in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.
