HR0852 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0852 LRB102 27379 ECR 39168 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Aphasia is a communication impairment caused by brain damage, typically resulting from a stroke; and

WHEREAS, While aphasia is most often the result of stroke or brain injury, it can also occur in other neurological disorders, such as in the case of a brain tumor; and

WHEREAS, Many people with aphasia also have weakness or paralysis in their right leg and right arm, usually due to damage to the left hemisphere of the brain, which controls language and movement on the right side of the body; and

WHEREAS, The effects of aphasia may include a loss or reduction in the ability to speak, comprehend, read, and write, while intelligence remains intact; and

WHEREAS, Stroke is the third largest cause of death, ranking behind diseases of the heart and all forms of cancer; and

WHEREAS, Stroke is a leading cause of serious, long-term disability in the United States; and

WHEREAS, It is estimated that there are approximately 795,000 strokes per year in the United States, with approximately one-third of these resulting in aphasia; and

WHEREAS, Aphasia affects at least 2,000,000 people in the United States; and

WHEREAS, More than 180,000 Americans acquire aphasia each year; and

WHEREAS, It is important to learn more about aphasia and to promote research, rehabilitation, and support services for people with aphasia and aphasia caregivers throughout Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare June of 2022 as Aphasia Awareness Month in the State of Illinois, and we encourage continuing research on aphasia and community support for those affected with the disease.