Us Congress Senate Bill SR224

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/18/23
• Refer: 5/18/23

Caption

A resolution designating May 2023 as "ALS Awareness Month".

Impact

The resolutions contained in SR224 also affirm the Senate's commitment to reducing the burdens associated with living with ALS. It emphasizes the need for effective treatments and the identification of risk factors to prevent new cases of ALS. Moreover, the resolution helps spotlight the financial and emotional challenges that individuals with ALS and their caregivers face, just as it urges legislative bodies to work towards improving healthcare access and support for ALS patients.

Summary

Senate Resolution 224 designates May 2023 as 'ALS Awareness Month' in recognition of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. The resolution emphasizes the urgency of increasing awareness about ALS, which predominantly affects adults, and highlights the struggles faced by those diagnosed with the condition. The bill serves as a call to action for the Senate to support the ALS community, including patients, caregivers, and families, ensuring they receive high-quality services and support throughout their struggles with the disease.

Contention

While SR224 is largely a resolution promoting awareness and support, the challenges of tackling ALS consist of a lack of funding for research and treatment options. There is no known cure for ALS, making advocacy for increased focus on research and healthcare provisions crucial. The visibility brought by such resolutions can help inspire both public interest and legislative action aimed at tackling the pressing needs of the ALS community and possibly influence future funding initiatives directed at ALS research.