Title: Expressing support for designation of September 2022 as "National Dystonia Awareness Month" and raising awareness and understanding of the disorder of dystonia.
Policy area: Health

Summary:
This resolution supports designating National Dystonia Awareness Month. (Dystonia is a neurological disorder that is characterized by repetitive, involuntary muscle contractions.)

[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.
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