WHEREAS, members of the 152nd General Assembly of the State of Delaware wish to recognize and support “Epilepsy Awareness Day”, a global effort dedicated to promoting epilepsy awareness around the world; and
WHEREAS, epilepsy affects almost 3,000,000 Americans and over 10,000 Delawareans; and
WHEREAS, epilepsy is a neurological seizure disorder that produces brief disturbances in the normal electrical function of the brain, temporarily affecting a person’s consciousness, bodily movements, or sensations; and
WHEREAS, seizures are the third most common school emergency, and an estimated 1,300 Delawareans between the ages of 0 and 17 have epilepsy; and
WHEREAS, epilepsy not only impacts the lifestyle of individuals with epilepsy, but also their family, friends, and community; and
WHEREAS, epilepsy can affect anyone regardless of gender, race, or age; and
WHEREAS, the general public’s lack of knowledge and misinformation about epilepsy leads to unnecessary stigma, discrimination, lost job opportunities, and an inability to appropriately respond when encountering a person experiencing a seizure, along with many other social and economic implications; and
WHEREAS, efforts are being made to create “seizure safe schools” for the 470,000 American children who have epilepsy; and
WHEREAS, Epilepsy Awareness Day, which began as a grass roots initiative in 2008, is now celebrated annually on March 26th in various states and countries throughout the world as an effort to reduce stigma and to improve the quality of life for individuals with epilepsy.
NOW, THEREFORE:
BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 152nd General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that March 26, 2023, is hereby designated as “Epilepsy Awareness Day”.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the General Assembly requests that the Governor issue a proclamation declaring March 26, 2023, as “Epilepsy Awareness Day” and call upon State agencies and the people of Delaware to undertake suitable efforts to increase epilepsy awareness through the State of Delaware in recognition thereof.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitably prepared copy of this Resolution shall be delivered to the Governor of the State of Delaware.
