Assembly Resolution No. 14

BY: M. of A. McDonald

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
May 2-8, 2021, as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week
in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to help increase
awareness of serious health conditions that affect the lives of citizens
of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2-8, 2021, as
Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) is a condition of involuntary
muscle movements of the face, trunk, and extremities that can vary in
frequency and amplitude; and

WHEREAS, TD is a condition that may occur with certain medications
used to treat mental illness; and

WHEREAS, TD results from treatment with dopamine receptor blocking
agents used for both psychiatric and non-psychiatric conditions, and can
persist even after discontinuing treatment; and

WHEREAS, It is estimated that over 500,000 Americans suffer from
Tardive Dyskinesia; according to the National Alliance for Mental
Illness, one in every four patients receiving long-term treatment with
an antipsychotic medication will experience Tardive Dyskinesia; and

WHEREAS, Anyone taking an antipsychotic medication may develop TD,
but people who are elderly, female, diabetic, or have a mental illness
are at a greater risk of developing TD; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater awareness of this
serious health condition, and more must be done to increase activity at
the local, State and National levels; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2-8, 2021, as
Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week in the State of New York; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.