J 279: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2025 as Aphasia Awareness Month in the State of New York

 Senate Resolution No. 279 BY: Senator RHOADS MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2025 as Aphasia Awareness Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious issues that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and fully in accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2025 as Aphasia Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Aphasia Awareness Month; and WHEREAS, Aphasia is an impairment of language affecting the production or comprehension of speech and the ability to read or write; this condition occurs when a part of a person's brain that is required for communication abilities is damaged due to a stroke, other brain injury, or neurological condition; and WHEREAS, Individuals who are affected by aphasia often struggle to come up with words, say what they mean, read quickly or to their full ability, know how to spell words that they used to be able to write, understand conversations, and follow a conversation; and WHEREAS, More commonly in aphasia, however, multiple aspects of communication are impaired, while some channels remain accessible for a limited exchange of information; it is the job of the professional to determine the amount of function available in each of the channels for the comprehension of language, and to assess the possibility that treatment might enhance the use of the channels that are available; and WHEREAS, About 40 percent of people who have had a stroke experience aphasia; the communication problems associated with the condition may make it difficult for patients to understand what the doctors are telling them; this can lead to not asking appropriate questions to the professional and to signing forms without proper understanding of the situation; and WHEREAS, Matthew Weingartner is a 35 year old from Long Island, New York, who serves as an inspiration to others to remain positive and strong in their healing journey; he had a stroke on April 18, 2018, and shares his story to raise awareness about aphasia and to make others feel supported and seen; and WHEREAS, In the United States, there is an estimated two million people who are living with aphasia; this affects not only those individuals, but also their spouses, family members, friends, and community; and WHEREAS, After over a century of studying aphasia, it has become evident that specific components of language may be more dramatically damaged in some individuals; we have also learned to recognize different types or patterns of aphasia which correspond to the location of the brain injury in individual cases; and WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of this serious health issue, 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 Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2025 as Aphasia Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with National Aphasia Awareness Month; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York, and Matthew Weingartner.