A resolution expressing support for the designation of September as "Dystonia Awareness Month" to promote public awareness and understanding of dystonia.
This Senate resolution expresses official support for designating September as “Dystonia Awareness Month.” It explains that dystonia is a neurological movement disorder causing involuntary muscle contractions and abnormal postures, affecting an estimated 250,000 to 300,000 people in the United States (with underdiagnosis likely pushing the true number higher). The resolution emphasizes the goal of raising public awareness to improve diagnosis, drive research, expand treatments, and support families living with dystonia. It also notes the role of medical researchers, clinicians, and the Department of Defense/VA in dystonia research and care, and it calls on the public to observe September as Dystonia Awareness Month with programs and activities. The measure is symbolic and does not itself create funding or new mandates; rather, it aims to galvanize awareness and support for ongoing research and patient services. Sponsors include Senators Banks and Merkley, and the resolution was introduced and referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. As a non-binding resolution, its effect is to acknowledge the importance of dystonia awareness and encourage related efforts rather than to enact new law or allocate funds.
Key Points
- 1The resolution designates September as “Dystonia Awareness Month,” calling for public observance and activities to raise awareness and understanding of dystonia.
- 2It outlines what dystonia is (a neurological movement disorder with involuntary muscle contractions) and notes its multiple forms, potential impacts on movement, speech, vision, and daily tasks, and its broad age and demographic reach.
- 3It highlights the significant impact on individuals and families, including physical disability, social and emotional challenges, and financial hardship, and reinforces the importance of awareness for better outcomes.
- 4It emphasizes the need for continued and expanded research to discover new treatments and a potential cure, and it commends medical professionals and researchers working to improve lives affected by dystonia.
- 5It acknowledges the role of DoD/VA-related research and care, pointing to existing competitive grants (Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program) as evidence of ongoing commitment to dystonia research.