R 175
2016 -- H 8093
Enacted 04/26/2016

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

     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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LC005801
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