SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 49 Designating April, in 2008 and in each succeeding year, as Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month in Virginia.   Agreed to by the Senate, February 12, 2008 Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 25, 2008  

WHEREAS, Parkinson’s disease, a progressive disorder of the central nervous system, affects more than one and one-half million people in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Parkinson’s disease symptoms are not well understood by the general public, which is a source of distress and potential danger for Parkinson’s patients; and

WHEREAS, there is an urgent need to educate emergency workers, police and fire prevention, and other public safety personnel regarding Parkinson’s disease, as well as a need to train hospital emergency room personnel statewide in the proper assessment of incoming Parkinson’s patients; and

WHEREAS, the American Parkinson’s Disease Association, Inc., founded in 1961, and its chapters in Virginia have sought to “Ease the Burden and Find the Cure” for patients who have Parkinson’s disease through research, patient and family services, education, and public awareness; and

WHEREAS, the American Parkinson’s Disease Association, Inc., and its chapters across the United States raise funds and promote awareness to fight Parkinson's disease in order to improve the quality of life for people living with the disease; and

WHEREAS, World Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Day is April 11, and April is national Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month, a time for the citizens of the Commonwealth to participate in programs and activities that promote awareness of the disease and to support the great need of Virginians and their families who suffer from Parkinson’s disease; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly designate April, in 2008 and in each succeeding year, as Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month in Virginia; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate post the designation of this month on the General Assembly’s website.

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 49 Offered January 9, 2008 Prefiled January 7, 2008 Designating April, in 2008 and in each succeeding year, as Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month in Virginia. ---------- Patron-- Stuart ---------- Referred to Committee on Rules ----------

WHEREAS, Parkinson's disease, a progressive disorder of the central nervous system, affects more than one and one-half million people in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Parkinson’s disease symptoms are not well understood by the general public, which is a source of distress and potential danger for Parkinson’s patients; and

WHEREAS, there is an urgent need to educate emergency workers, police and fire prevention, and other public safety personnel regarding Parkinson's disease, as well as a need to train hospital emergency room personnel statewide in the proper assessment of incoming Parkinson’s patients; and

WHEREAS, the American Parkinson's Disease Association, Inc., founded in 1961, and its chapters in Virginia have sought to "Ease the Burden and Find the Cure" for patients who have Parkinson's disease through research, patient and family services, education, and public awareness; and

WHEREAS, the American Parkinson's Disease Association, Inc., and its chapters across the United States raise funds and promote awareness to fight Parkinson's disease in order to improve the quality of life for people living with the disease; and

WHEREAS, World Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Day is April 11, and April is national Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month, a time for the citizens of the Commonwealth to participate in programs and activities that promote awareness of the disease and to support the great need of Virginians and their families who suffer from Parkinson’s disease; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly designate April, in 2008 and in each succeeding year, as Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month in Virginia; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate post the designation of this month on the General Assembly's website.