JOINT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING PARKINSON'S DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH

WHEREAS,  Parkinson’s disease is estimated to affect approximately 7,000 individuals and their numerous care providers in Maine each day; and

WHEREAS,  Parkinson’s disease symptoms are not well understood by the general public, which is a source of distress and potential danger for Parkinson’s patients; and

WHEREAS,  the American Parkinson Disease Association, the Maine Parkinson Society and the MaineHealth Learning Resource Center are all established at a central resource in Falmouth; and

WHEREAS,  the need to train, inform and educate emergency workers, police and fire prevention and other public safety personnel is urgent; and

WHEREAS,  there is a need to train hospital emergency room personnel statewide in the proper assessment of incoming Parkinson’s patients; and

WHEREAS,  there exists a network of 11 Parkinson’s disease support groups statewide; and

WHEREAS,  there is but one movement disorder neurologist specializing in Parkinson’s disease in Maine, making access limited for prospective patients; and

WHEREAS,  World Parkinson’s Awareness Day is April 11th, and April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month; now, therefore, be it

That We, the Members of the One Hundred and Twenty-third Legislature, now assembled in the First Regular Session, on behalf of the people we represent take this opportunity to express our support for all efforts being made by the Parkinson’s disease community to close the gaps in services, training, education and care that currently exist; and be it further

That suitable copies of this resolution, duly authenticated by the Secretary of State, be transmitted to the Maine Parkinson Society and the Maine Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association and the MaineHealth Learning Resource Center.