2016 -- H 8093

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LC005801

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2016

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING APRIL 16, 2016, AS "EPILEPSY AWARENESS DAY"

     Introduced By: Representatives MacBeth, Edwards, Corvese, Azzinaro, and McNamara

     Date Introduced: April 26, 2016

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, The health and safety of all Rhode Islanders is important to the happiness,

prosperity and well-being of our state's families and communities; and

     WHEREAS, Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterized by recurrent, unprovoked

seizures; and

     WHEREAS, Although epilepsy can occur at any age, it is most likely to occur among

children younger than 2 years of age and among adults older than 65; and

     WHEREAS, There are 150,000 new cases of epilepsy in the United States each year; and

     WHEREAS, In Rhode Island, one out of every 26 people, with a total of 13,000 people,

are diagnosed and living with epilepsy; and

     WHEREAS, Though many people with epilepsy can lead normal lives, many are forced

to live with uncontrollable seizures due to insufficient treatment options; and

     WHEREAS, It is critical that all those affected by epilepsy have access to quality,

affordable care, and that research continues to be strongly supported; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby proclaims April 26, 2016, to be "Epilepsy Awareness Day" in the

state. We furthermore call upon all the people of the State of Rhode Island to observe this day

with appropriate programs and activities; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this House recognizes and fully supports the those who are living with

epilepsy, as well as thanking the dedicated professionals, community groups, friends, and family

members who provide the crucial and caring assistance to these individuals; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit

a duly certified copy of this resolution to William Murphy, Director of Advocacy and Public

Policy, Epilepsy Foundation New England.

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