[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
NATIONAL EPILEPSY AWARENESS MONTH--SUPPORT
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Whereas epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes seizures and
affects 2,300,000 people in the United States;
Whereas a seizure is a disturbance in the electrical activity of the
brain, and 1 in every 12 Americans will suffer at least 1 seizure;
Whereas 180,000 new cases of seizures and epilepsy are diagnosed each
year, and 3 percent of Americans will develop epilepsy by the time
they are 75;
Whereas 41 percent of people who currently have epilepsy experience
persistent seizures despite the treatment they are receiving;
Whereas a survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention demonstrated that the hardships imposed by epilepsy are
comparable to those imposed by cancer, diabetes, and arthritis;
Whereas epilepsy in older children and adults remains a formidable
barrier to leading a normal life by affecting education, employment,
marriage, childbearing, and personal fulfillment;
Whereas uncontrollable seizures in a child can create multiple problems
affecting the child's development, education, socialization, and
daily life activities;
Whereas the social stigma surrounding epilepsy continues to fuel
discrimination, and isolates people who suffer from seizure
disorders from mainstream life;
Whereas a significant number of people with epilepsy may lack access to
medical care for the treatment of the disease;
Whereas in spite of these formidable obstacles, people with epilepsy can
live healthy and productive lives and make significant contributions
to society;
Whereas November is an appropriate month to designate as ``National
Epilepsy Awareness Month''; and
Whereas the designation of a ``National Epilepsy Awareness Month'' would
help to focus attention on, and increase understanding of, epilepsy
and those people who suffer from it: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring),
That Congress--
(1) supports the goals and ideals of a ``National Epilepsy
Awareness Month'';
(2) requests the President to issue a proclamation declaring
a ``National Epilepsy Awareness Month'';
(3) calls upon the American people to observe ``National
Epilepsy Awareness Month'' with appropriate programs and
activities; and
(4) urges support for epilepsy research programs at the
National Institutes of Health and at the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention.

Agreed to November 19, 2003.


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117 STAT. 2964