Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman, Somerset Medical Center CEO Ken Bateman, Somerville Attorney Eliot Goldstein and NJCTS Executor Faith Rice commemorate TS Awareness Month
Somerville- “The Tourette Syndrome world has a new capital, and it’s Somerville New Jersey, according to Faith Rice, executive director of the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome.
It’s been an important month for the Center. Governor Chris Christie recently honored the work of NJCTS through a proclamation declaring May 15 to June 15 “Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month.” According to the Centers for Disease Control, as many as 1 in 100 children exhibit symptoms of TS- a neurological disorder characterized by uncontrollable motor movements and vocalizations known as tics. The majority of people with Tourette Syndrome also have co-occurring conditions, most commonly attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, depression, learning disabilities and sleep disorders.
“As many as 28,000 kids here in New Jersey have TS,” said Rice, “This Center of Excellence exists as a way to bring together the resources and services to educate and train families, their doctors and their teachers.” NJCTS serves families and professionals throughout the Garden State from its headquarters in Somerville. Through partnerships with regional hospitals, including Somerset Medical Center, NJCTS provides grand rounds and training opportunities to residents and community professionals.
“With support from our local leaders, and especially State Senator Kip Bateman and partners like Somerset Medical Center, NJCTS comprehensive services for the community dealing with TS and associated disorders across our state ,” said Rice. The Center has launched the world’s first TS DNA Sharing Repository (at Rutgers University) and the nation’s only doctoral practicum concentrating in Tourette Syndrome (at Rutgers University).
For more information about the programs and services of the Center or to learn more about Tourette Syndrome, visit www.njcts.org.