DESIGNATING MAY 3 – 9, 2026, AS “TARDIVE DYSKINESIA AWARENESS WEEK” IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Bill Bush and 12 co-sponsors

Designates May 3–9, 2026 in Delaware as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week to promote education and awareness without new funding or regulatory requirements.

Passed In House by Voice Vote

Summary of SCR 184 (Session 153, Delaware)

Purpose and Intent

Designates a specific week in 2026 as “Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week” in the State of Delaware.

The resolution aims to raise public awareness and understanding of tardive dyskinesia (TD), a movement disorder often associated with long-term use of certain psychiatric or antiemetic medications.

By naming a statewide awareness week, the measure signals support for individuals affected by TD and highlights resources, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Key Provisions

Establishes the designation of a dedicated week: May 3–9, 2026, as “Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week” in Delaware.

Serves as a commemorative and educational gesture rather than establishing new programs, funding, or regulatory requirements.

Encourages state agencies, organizations, healthcare providers, and communities to observe the week and promote TD awareness, education, and outreach.

Invites collaboration with relevant stakeholders (e.g., health organizations, patient advocacy groups) to distribute information and resources during the awareness period.

Who/What Would Be Affected

State government and public agencies: Encouraged to acknowledge and participate in awareness activities during the designated week.

Healthcare providers and professionals: Encouraged to share information about TD, its signs and symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options.

Patients and families: Beneficiaries of increased awareness, education, and access to information about TD.

Public and community organizations: Encouraged to host events, campaigns, or educational activities aligned with the awareness week.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Introduction and Sponsorship: Introduced and sponsored in the Senate on May 7, 2026; multiple co-sponsors listed.

Senate Passage: Passed the Senate with a vote of 19 in favor and 2 absent (May 7, 2026).

House Passage: Passed in the House by voice vote (May 13, 2026).

Effective/Implementation: As a concurrent resolution, it designates awareness without creating new law, spending, or regulatory mandates. The primary effect is ceremonial and educational acknowledgment within Delaware for the specified week in 2026.

Practical Impact

No new funding, regulatory requirements, or program mandates are created.

Increases visibility of tardive dyskinesia and may prompt education and dialogue among healthcare providers, patients, and the public.

Provides a platform for organizations to coordinate outreach efforts during the designated week.

Observations on Scope

The measure is focused on awareness and education rather than policy changes or fiscal allocations.

It reflects legislative interest in public health topics related to medication-related side effects and patient advocacy.