Bill Text: NJ AJR17 | 2012-2013 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Designates March of each year as "Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month."
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 8-2)
Status: (Passed) 2013-03-27 - Approved P.L.2013, JR-3. [AJR17 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2012-AJR17-Introduced.html
No. 17
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
215th LEGISLATURE
PRE-FILED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2012 SESSION
Sponsored by:
Assemblyman TIMOTHY J. EUSTACE
District 38 (Bergen and Passaic)
SYNOPSIS
Designates March of each year as "Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month."
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
Introduced Pending Technical Review by Legislative Counsel
A Joint Resolution designating March of each year as "Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month" in New Jersey.
Whereas, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, unpredictable disease in which myelin, the protective insulation surrounding nerve fibers, is damaged and replaced by scars of hardened sclerotic tissue, the result of which is interference with the transmission of nerve signals; and
Whereas, Common symptoms of MS include fatigue, weakness, spasticity, balance problems, bladder and bowel problems, numbness, vision loss, tremors and depression, although not all symptoms affect all MS patients, and the course of the disease varies greatly from person to person; and
Whereas, It is estimated that between 350,000 and 500,000 people in the United States have been diagnosed with MS, and that more than two million individuals live with the disease worldwide; and
Whereas, MS is more common in women than in men, and is most commonly diagnosed in individuals between the ages of 20 and 50, but it can develop in young children, teens, and older adults; and
Whereas, The exact cause of MS is still unknown, but researchers believe that a combination of factors may be involved and are studying immunologic reactions, viral or other infectious agents, and environmental and genetic factors among the possible causes; and
Whereas, Although most individuals with MS have a normal or near-normal life expectancy, many individuals with MS require mobility aids because of fatigue, weakness, or balance problems, or to assist with conserving energy; and
Whereas, Even though there is no cure for MS, many therapeutic and technological advances now help individuals manage their symptoms, and medications can slow the underlying course of MS; and
Whereas, National MS Education and Awareness Month is an effort to raise the public's awareness of MS, promote an understanding of the scope of the disease, and assist those with MS in making educated decisions about their health care; and
Whereas, The Legislature recognizes the importance of understanding MS, including its causes and health effects, and of supporting and encouraging education programs and research to develop effective therapies and find a cure; now, therefore,
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. March of each year is designated as "Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month."
2. The Governor shall annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and the citizens of this State to observe the month with appropriate activities and programs.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This joint resolution designates the month of March in each year as "Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month" in the State of New Jersey, and directs the Governor to annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and the citizens of this State to observe the month with appropriate activities and programs.
