Senate Resolution No. 467 BY: Senator RIVERA MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 1-7, 2023, 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 1-7, 2023 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 depression, 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 WHEREAS, While ongoing treatment with these medications can be necessary, prolonged use can also lead to 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, It is estimated that TD affects approximately 600,000 people in the U.S., and approximately 70% 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 DRBA medication be monitored for TD; regular screening for TD in these patients is recommended by the American Psychiatric Association (APA); 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 activity at the local, State and National levels; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 1-7, 2023 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.