WASHINGTON, D.C. – The New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome & Associated Disorders (NJCTS) is proud to announce that the Collaborative Academic Research Efforts (CARE) for Tourette Syndrome Act of 2013 has been reintroduced as bill S. 637 to the United States Senate by Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ).
The legislation, originally introduced in the Senate by Menendez in April 2012 as bill S. 2321, would amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for the expansion, intensification and coordination of the programs and activities of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with respect to Tourette Syndrome – a misunderstood, misdiagnosed, inherited neurological disorder that affects 1 in 100 children and adults, and is characterized by vocal sounds and/or motor movements known as tics.
“Tourette Syndrome is an often misunderstood and stigmatizing condition, especially for children and young adults,” Senator Menendez said. “This bill is designed to provide our federal research agencies with the resources and guidance necessary to expand research efforts into Tourette Syndrome. By expanding efforts in a coordinated and focused manner, we will increase awareness, enhance therapies and treatments and improve the lives of those affected by Tourette Syndrome.”
This legislation was created by Congressman Albio Sires (D-NJ8) and introduced in the House of Representatives in December 2011 and again in January of this year. Its primary purpose is to establish regional centers of excellence across the country to conduct research into the cause, diagnosis, early detection, prevention, control and treatment of Tourette and associated disorders such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, anxiety and depression. NJCTS, the nation’s first center of excellence for Tourette, was established in 2004.
“I introduced the CARE for Tourette Syndrome Act to raise awareness of the need to focus attention and resources on this condition,” Senator Menendez added. “I am eager to work with my colleagues in Congress to pass this legislation and provide the NIH with the tools they need to further our understanding of Tourette Syndrome and better the lives of those it affects.”
To encourage your Congressman and Senator to co-sponsor this bill, or to learn more and show your support, please visit the internet’s No. 1 legislative correspondence website POPVOX. More information also is available by visiting www.njcts.org or by reading Senator Menendez’s official release.
“We are pleased that this important legislation has been reintroduced by Senator Menendez and hope that other Senators and Congressional Representatives will follow in his footsteps,” NJCTS Executive Director Faith W. Rice said. “New Jersey has changed the face of TS research, education and support through partnerships and collaborations, and we look forward to seeing more develop on behalf of the children and families nationwide affected by Tourette Syndrome.”