Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 4-10, 2026, as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week in the State of New York

Assembly Resolution No. 1203

BY: M. of A. McDonald

        MEMORIALIZING  Governor  Kathy  Hochul to proclaim
        May 4-10, 2026, 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 4-10, 2026, 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 individuals, 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; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 4-10, 2026, 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.