AJR74: Joint Resolution Text

LRB-2270/2

SRM:wlj:md

2009 - 2010 LEGISLATURE

2009 Assembly JOINT RESOLUTION 74

September 23, 2009 - Introduced by Representative Vukmir, cosponsored by Senator Darling. Referred to Committee on Rules.

AJR74,1,1 Relating to: designating each October as hydrocephalus awareness month.

AJR74,1,3 Whereas, hydrocephalus is a serious neurological condition, characterized by the abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain; and

AJR74,1,5 Whereas, there is no known cure for hydrocephalus, which affects an estimated one million Americans; and

AJR74,1,6 Whereas, out of every 1,000 babies, one to two are born with hydrocephalus; and

AJR74,1,9 Whereas, more than 375,000 older Americans have hydrocephalus, which often goes undetected or misdiagnosed as dementia, Alzheimer's disease, or Parkinson's disease; and

AJR74,1,11 Whereas, with appropriate diagnosis and treatment, people with hydrocephalus can live full and productive lives; and

AJR74,1,13 Whereas, the standard treatment for hydrocephalus was developed in 1952 and carries multiple risks, including shunt failure, infection, and over drainage; and

AJR74,1,15 Whereas, there are fewer than ten centers in the United States specializing in the treatment of adults with normal pressure hydrocephalus; and

AJR74,2,2 Whereas, each year, the people of the United States spend in excess of $1,000,000,000 to treat hydrocephalus; and

AJR74,2,6 Whereas, the September 2005 conference sponsored by seven institutes of the National Institutes of Health, and entitled, "Hydrocephalus: Myths, New Facts, Clear Directions," resulted in efforts to initiate new, collaborative research and treatment efforts; and

AJR74,2,9 Whereas, the Hydrocephalus Association is one of the nation's oldest and largest patient and research advocacy and support networks for individuals suffering from hydrocephalus; and

AJR74,2,12 Whereas, further research into the epidemiology, pathophysiology, disease burden, and improved treatment of hydrocephalus should be conducted or supported; and

AJR74,2,16 Whereas, public awareness and professional education regarding hydrocephalus should increase through partnerships between the federal government and patient advocacy organizations, such as the Hydrocephalus Association; now, therefore, be it

AJR74,2,20 Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the Wisconsin legislature urges the federal government to collect comprehensive statistics regarding the seriousness of hydrocephalus and its impact on American families; and, be it further

AJR74,2,23 Resolved, That the legislature designates each October as "Hydrocephalus Awareness Month" in Wisconsin so Wisconsin residents can become more familiar with hydrocephalus and the people dedicated to finding its cure.

AJR74,2,24 (End)