110 HRES 523 IH: Encouraging recognition, and supporting the U.S. House of Representatives 2007-06-27 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV 110th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 523 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 27, 2007 Mr. Markey submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce RESOLUTION Encouraging recognition, and supporting the goals and ideals, of National Aphasia Awareness Month.

Whereas aphasia is a communication impairment caused by brain damage, typically resulting from a stroke; Whereas while aphasia is most often the result of stroke or brain injury, it can also occur in other neurological disorders, such as in the case of a brain tumor; Whereas many people with aphasia also have weakness or paralysis in their right leg and right arm, usually due to damage to the left hemisphere of the brain, which controls language and movement on the right side of the body; Whereas the effects of aphasia may include a loss or reduction in ability to speak, comprehend, read, and write, while intelligence remains intact; Whereas stroke is the third largest cause of death, ranking behind heart disease and cancer; Whereas stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States; Whereas there are about 5 million stroke survivors alive in the United States; Whereas it is estimated that there are about 750,000 strokes per year in the United States, with approximately one third of these resulting in aphasia; Whereas aphasia affects at least 1,000,000 people in the United States; Whereas more than 200,000 Americans acquire the disorder each year; Whereas the National Aphasia Association is unique and provides communication strategies, support, and education for people with aphasia and their caregivers throughout the United States; Whereas as an advocacy organization for people with aphasia and their caregivers, the National Aphasia Association envisions a world that recognizes this silent disability and provides opportunity and fulfillment for those affected by aphasia; and Whereas National Aphasia Awareness Month is being commemorated in June 2007: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1)supports the goals and ideals of, and encourages all Americans to observe, National Aphasia Awareness Month; (2)recognizes that strokes, a primary cause of aphasia, are the third largest cause of death and disability in the United States; (3)acknowledges that aphasia deserves more attention and study in order to find new solutions for individuals experiencing aphasia and their caregivers; and (4)must make the voices of those with aphasia heard because they are often unable to communicate their condition to others.