A Resolution recognizing the month of June 2026 as "Aphasia Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania to increase awareness and understanding of aphasia to support improved diagnosis and treatment.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Marla Brown and 12 co-sponsors

Designates June 2026 in Pennsylvania as Aphasia Awareness Month to promote public education and awareness about aphasia.

Adopted

Bill Summary: HR 541 (2025-2026) – Pennsylvania

Purpose and Intent

Establishes June 2026 in Pennsylvania as “Aphasia Awareness Month.”

Aims to increase public awareness and understanding of aphasia to support improved diagnosis and treatment options for individuals affected by the condition.

Key Provisions

Official Designation: The Pennsylvania General Assembly would designate June 2026 as Aphasia Awareness Month in the state.

Awareness Activities (implied): While not always enumerated in summary text, such resolutions typically encourage state agencies, schools, health organizations, and community groups to observe the month with educational events, outreach, and activities to raise awareness about aphasia.

Scope: The designation is typically symbolic and non-binding, intended to promote education and recognition without creating new fiscal mandates or state programs. The exact language may authorize or encourage coordination with relevant health and disability advocacy groups.

Who/What Is Affected

Residents of Pennsylvania: Individuals with aphasia and their families may benefit from increased visibility, education, and potential access to resources.

Health and disability communities: Medical professionals, speech-language pathologists, hospitals, clinics, aging services, and advocacy organizations may engage in awareness efforts during Aphasia Awareness Month.

State government and public entities: Mayors, school districts, public health departments, and state agencies could participate in observance activities and information sharing.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Legislative Process: As a concurrent or joint resolution, the bill would typically move through the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Senate. If adopted, it would become a formal designation for June 2026.

Timing: The designation would apply specifically to June 2026, aligning with national or local awareness campaigns and relevant observances.

Fiscal Impact: Resolutions of this nature generally have minimal to no direct fiscal impact, as they do not mandate new programs or expenditures. Any associated activities would likely rely on existing resources of participating organizations.

Sponsor and Support

Primary and Co-Sponsors: Bill is supported by multiple co-sponsors (Pat Gallagher, Rick Krajewski, Gina Curry, Marla Brown, Emily Kinkead, Arvind Venkat), indicating cross-chamber and cross-assembly interest in aphasia awareness.

Potential Impact and Considerations

Public Education: Potential to increase knowledge about aphasia, symptoms, and available treatment and support options among the general public.

Resource Collaboration: May encourage partnerships between healthcare providers, non-profits, and educational institutions to disseminate information.

Non-Binding Nature: As a resolution, it does not create new statutory obligations or funding commitments; any measurable programmatic impact would depend on subsequent actions by state agencies and organizations.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to include potential fiscal notes, expected committees of referral, or compare this bill to similar aphasia awareness resolutions in other states.