Bill Text: VA SJR27 | 2024 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Epilepsy Heroes Day.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2024-02-28 - Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ27ER) [SJR27 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2024-SJR27-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, epilepsy awareness days are observed nationwide and around the world to raise awareness of the dangers of epilepsy and seizures and to help give individuals the knowledge to support those living with epilepsy; and
WHEREAS, epilepsy is a brain disorder that affects people of all ages and walks of life, which is characterized by sudden, recurrent, and unprovoked seizures; and
WHEREAS, epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions, and approximately 3.4 million people in the United States live with epilepsy and seizures; and
WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that there are 84,800 individuals in Virginia who live with epilepsy and seizures, 11,000 of whom are children; and
WHEREAS, throughout the United States, an estimated 470,000 children live with epilepsy, and a 2015 CDC study found that 36 percent of students between the ages of six and 17 with epilepsy were more likely than other students to have missed an average of 11 or more days of school in the previous year; and
WHEREAS, one in 10 people will have at least one seizure during their lifetime, and one in 26 people will be diagnosed with epilepsy during their lifetime; and
WHEREAS, members of the public are often unable to recognize common seizure types or do not know how to respond with appropriate first aid; and
WHEREAS, Epilepsy Heroes Day honors those with epilepsy, as well as those who foster a safer and more inclusive experience for those living with epilepsy; and
WHEREAS, Epilepsy Heroes Day provides an opportunity for Virginians to increase their knowledge about epilepsy and seizure first aid, as well as change the way people think about epilepsy and seizures; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly designate March 26, in 2024 and in each succeeding year, as Epilepsy Heroes Day in Virginia; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the Epilepsy Foundation of America, the Epilepsy Foundation of Virginia, the Seizure Action Plan Coalition, and Jamie Van Cleave of Yorktown so that they may be apprised of the sense of the General Assembly of Virginia in this matter; and, be it
RESOLVED FINALLY, That the Clerk of the Senate post the designation of this day on the General Assembly's website.
