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SR 920

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

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jessica de la Cruz

Rhode Island proclaims April 2025 as Parkinson’s Awareness Month to raise awareness and support research, care, and advocacy for people with Parkinson’s.

04/01/2025 Senate read and passed
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Bill Summary · SR 920

Summary of Senate Resolution SR 920: Parkinson’s Awareness Month (Rhode Island)

Overview

  • Bill Type: Senate Resolution (non-binding)
  • Bill Number: SR 920
  • Title: Proclaims April 2025 as “Parkinson’s Awareness Month” in Rhode Island
  • Status and Timeline:
    • Introduced: March 28, 2025 by Sen. Jessica de la Cruz
    • Placed on Senate Consent Calendar: March 28, 2025
    • Read and Passed: April 1, 2025
  • Purpose: Officially designate April 2025 in Rhode Island as Parkinson’s Awareness Month to raise awareness, highlight the disease’s impact, and encourage advocacy and support for research and services.

Purpose and Intent

The resolution aims to:
- Acknowledge Parkinson’s Disease as a significant chronic, progressive neurological illness with substantial health impacts.
- Emphasize the need for ongoing research, better treatments, and improved programs and services for those affected.
- Promote public awareness and education about Parkinson’s Disease within Rhode Island.

Key Provisions

  • Proclamation: April 2025 is officially proclaimed as “Parkinson’s Awareness Month” in the State of Rhode Island.
  • Certification/Transmission: The Secretary of State is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of the resolution to the American Parkinson Disease Association, Rhode Island Chapter.

Background and Context (as cited in the resolution)

  • Parkinson’s Disease is described as a chronic, progressive, and currently incurable neurodegenerative condition with a broad range of symptoms (e.g., tremors, slowness, balance and swallowing difficulties, cognitive and mood issues).
  • National context notes:
    • Parkinson’s is the 14th leading cause of death in the U.S. per CDC data.
    • Approximately 1 million people in the U.S. live with Parkinson’s; about 90,000 new diagnoses annually (roughly a 50% increase from prior years).
  • Rhode Island context:
    • An estimated 1,000–2,000 residents in Rhode Island have Parkinson’s Disease.
  • Treatment landscape: No cure or disease-modifying therapy is currently available; existing treatments have limited capacity to address all medical needs.

Affected Parties

  • Rhode Island residents living with Parkinson’s Disease and their families.
  • Health professionals, caregivers, researchers, and patient advocacy organizations (notably the American Parkinson Disease Association, Rhode Island Chapter).
  • The Rhode Island Secretary of State, which is tasked with transmitting the certified copy of the resolution.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • This is a ceremonial, symbolic measure with no fiscal requirements or regulatory changes.
  • The action serves to recognize and elevate awareness rather than create enforceable policy.

Potential Impact

  • Raises public awareness in Rhode Island about Parkinson’s Disease.
  • Supports advocacy efforts, fundraising, and community events during Parkinson’s Awareness Month.
  • May encourage collaboration with advocacy organizations and stimulate interest in research and improved patient services.
  • No direct funding or regulatory changes are attached to this resolution.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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