Bill > HR1017

This resolution officially recognizes and celebrates May 2026 as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Awareness Month in the state of Arkansas. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a fatal and progressive neurological disease that affects the connection between the brain and muscles, leading to a gradual loss of the ability to move, speak, eat, and breathe. The resolution highlights the significant impact ALS has not only on individuals diagnosed with the disease but also on their families and communities, noting that there is currently no known cure and that military service members are at a higher risk. It emphasizes the importance of access to therapies, medical equipment, and communication technologies for those living with ALS, as well as the crucial role of clinical trials and organizations like the ALS Association, which is a major global funder of ALS research and provides care services and advocacy. By designating May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month, the House of Representatives aims to increase public understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with ALS, acknowledge the disease's devastating effects, and express support for research efforts to find a cure.