HOUSE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING APRIL OF 2025, TO BE "PARKINSON'S AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Edith Ajello and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island designates April 2025 as Parkinson’s Awareness Month to raise awareness and support for Parkinson’s research and services; a ceremonial proclamation with no new funds.

04/03/2025 House read and passed

Summary: Rhode Island House Resolution HR 6170 – Parkinson’s Awareness Month (April 2025)

Purpose

HR 6170 is a Rhode Island House Resolution that proclaims April 2025 as “Parkinson’s Awareness Month” in the State of Rhode Island.

The resolution aims to acknowledge Parkinson’s Disease as a significant public health issue, increase awareness, and encourage support for research and services to improve quality of life for those affected.

Background and Rationale (Context Provided in Resolution)

Parkinson’s Disease is described as a chronic, progressive neurological disorder and the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the United States after Alzheimer’s disease.

The resolution cites public health data to underscore the impact: Parkinson’s is a leading cause of death in the U.S., with about one million people living with the disease nationwide and thousands in Rhode Island (estimates: 1,000–2,000 in RI). Approximately 90,000 new U.S. diagnoses occur each year, representing a continuing increase.

Typical onset is around age 60 and older, though 5–10% of cases occur before age 50. No cure or disease-modifying drug exists, and symptoms vary widely, including motor, cognitive, and mood-related challenges.

The resolution emphasizes the need for increased research and enhanced programs and services to support those affected until a cure is found.

Key Provisions

Proclamation: April 2025 is designated as “Parkinson’s Awareness Month” in Rhode Island.

Transmission: The Secretary of State is authorized to provide a certified copy of the resolution to the American Parkinson Disease Association, Rhode Island Chapter.

No appropriation or new program is created by the resolution; it serves as a symbolic and educational recognition.

Legislative and Procedural Details

Introduced by: Representatives Newberry, Serpa, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Kennedy, Ajello, Tanzi, Boylan, McNamara, and Shallcross Smith.

Initial Referral: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Status: The House read and passed the resolution on April 3, 2025.

Legislative Catalog Note: The version content lists an LC number (LC002386) and includes standard preamble language explaining the disease and rationale. Some internal date references in the provided materials appear inconsistent (one line shows an introduction date of November 20, 2025, conflicting with the April 3, 2025 introduction date shown elsewhere). The primary version indicates introduction on April 3, 2025 and passage on the same date.

Affected Parties

Rhode Island residents living with Parkinson’s Disease or caring for someone with the disease.

Rhode Island Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA RI).

Public health and healthcare communities seeking to raise awareness and support research and services.

Impact and Implications

This is a ceremonial resolution; it does not create new laws, funding, or programs.

By designating Parkinson’s Awareness Month, it may encourage fundraising, education, and community outreach in Rhode Island.

The proclamation can help coordinate awareness activities with patient organizations and healthcare providers throughout April 2025.

If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison with similar awareness-month resolutions from other states or provide talking points for advocacy events tied to this designation.