SR219, As Adopted by Senate, November 10, 2016

            Senator Casperson offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 219.

            A resolution to recognize November 2016 as Epilepsy Awareness Month.

            Whereas, Epilepsy is a neurological disorder where the brain's normal electrical pattern is disrupted by sudden and synchronized bursts of electrical energy that may affect consciousness, movement, or sensation, while creating long-term effects on the lifestyle of individuals with epilepsy; and

            Whereas, 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy and 150,000 new cases of epilepsy are diagnosed each year; and

            Whereas, Epilepsy affects between 2.2-3 million people in the United States, and 65 million people worldwide; and

            Whereas, Epilepsy is a complex neurological disorder that results in almost one-third of epilepsy patients living with uncontrolled seizures due to a lack of clinically available treatment that works for them; and

            Whereas, The complexity of this disorder requires further research to find a cure and additional treatments for epilepsy patients; and

            Whereas, Epilepsy Awareness Month is recognized each November to increase awareness of the disorder, highlight the need for further research, and demonstrate support for the millions of people living with epilepsy in the United States; and

            Whereas, The state of Michigan joins the Epilepsy Foundation and other interested agencies and organizations in urging patients, supporters, health care providers, and the general public to share information about this disease and available treatments; giving hope of a better future for people with epilepsy; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby recognize the month of November 2016 as Epilepsy Awareness Month in Michigan and commend its observance to all citizens; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to UCB Pharmaceuticals as evidence of our esteem.