K 447: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 5-11, 2025, as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week in the State of New York

 Assembly Resolution No. 447 BY: M. of A. McDonald MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 5-11, 2025, 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 Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 5-11, 2025, as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week in the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Serious mental illnesses like bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia often require treatment with antipsychotic medications for effective management, and antipsychotic prescribing rates continue to rise; and WHEREAS, While prolonged antipsychotic use may be essential for the treatment of certain conditions, it is associated with tardive dyskinesia (TD), a condition marked by uncontrollable, abnormal, and repetitive movements of the face, torso, limbs, or extremities; and WHEREAS, People at higher risk of TD include those older than 55 years, Black women, individuals with mood or substance use disorders, intellectual disabilities, or central nervous system injuries, and those with high cumulative antipsychotic exposure; and WHEREAS, Approximately 60% of the estimated 800,000 U.S. adults living with TD remain undiagnosed and even mild TD symptoms can be stigmatizing and impair physical, social, and emotional well-being, underscoring the urgency of early screening, detection, and intervention; and WHEREAS, The American Psychiatric Association recommends routine TD screening in their clinical guidelines for antipsychotic treatment and individuals treated with antipsychotics or experiencing abnormal movements should consult their healthcare providers to assess TD risk, receive TD screenings, and determine appropriate treatment together; and WHEREAS, FDA-approved treatments for TD can provide options for symptom management and improved quality of life for many individuals living with TD; and WHEREAS, New York State can encourage TD screening education and awareness for health care providers, patients, and care partners to help ensure patients prescribed antipsychotics receive care and support that aligns with clinical best practice, including regular TD screenings; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 5-11, 2025, 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 Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.