First Ever Congressional Caucus on Tourette Syndrome Established

BAYSIDE, N.Y., May 15, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- To kick off Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month (May 15-June 15), the national Tourette Syndrome Association (TSA) is pleased to announce the establishment of a timely and unprecedented bi-partisan Congressional Caucus on Tourette Syndrome. This important collaboration will enable TSA to promote critical legislation that supports individuals and families coping with Tourette Syndrome and to help spread awareness of the disorder among key lawmakers.

While there are many caucuses that support a wide range of disorders, to date, there had not been a caucus focused on Tourette Syndrome and its related disorders in the House or the Senate. Today is a historic day for TSA, as members of the House of Representatives joined together to establish the very first House Congressional Caucus for this misunderstood, often misdiagnosed and sometimes inadequately treated neurological disorder which affects over 200,000 people in the U.S.

To date, Caucus Members include Representatives Steve Cohen (D-9th TN, Co- Chair), Elijah Cummings (D-7th-MD), Ted Deutch (D-21st-FL), Keith Ellison (D-5th MN), Steve Israel (D-3rd NY), Peter King (R-2nd NY, Co-Chair), Zoe Lofgren (D-19th CA), Carolyn McCarthy (D-4th NY),  Joseph Pitts (R-16th PA), Albio Sires (D-8th-NJ), Ed Whitfield (R-1st KY), John Yarmouth (D-3rd KY) and Bill Young (R-13th FL).

"The TSA and its Congressional supporters in the 113th Congress have given their commitment to constituents to work hand in hand to address the many unmet needs in TS," said TSA President Judit Ungar. "We are confident that we will succeed, as such congressional support has proven to be instrumental in accelerating progress in other disorders, such as cancer, autism and Parkinson's disease."

The goals of the Caucus are many, and very clearly defined, but two foremost goals are first, to increase knowledge and awareness of Tourette Syndrome and its impact on the lives of individuals through efforts directed to members of Congress, the general public, medical, educational and clinical allied professionals, as well as to federal and governmental agencies and in schools; and second, to educate Members of Congress on current and future research initiatives for Tourette Syndrome, an important step to help TSA assure that members of Congress have accurate, up-to-date information about TS and its related disorders, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

"Members of the TS Caucus are committed to improving the lives of individuals with Tourette syndrome by promoting the education and training of medical and educational professionals about TS, fostering research, ensuring access to medical treatment and healthcare coverage, and working with both TSA and federal agencies to bring about positive changes in public schools and public settings across the country," said Elridge Proctor, TSA Vice President of Public Policy.

"The Caucus now offers the opportunity for deeper collaborative efforts between Members of Congress and TSA. The formation of this Caucus is a significant step toward a national understanding, awareness and tolerance of TS and its related disorders," said Michael Wolff, Board Member of the national TSA Board of Directors.

In addition, during the observance of TS Awareness Month, TSA also holds a Government Relations Awareness Week from May 27 through May 31; a week-long campaign designed to raise local, state and federal awareness of issues impacting families living with TS. During this time, members of the TSA will be calling and writing to their Representatives through a direct link on TSA's website (http://tsa-usa.org/apolicy/legislative_action_center.html) to send a personal message to urge their Representatives to join this important Caucus.

Tourette Syndrome is a hereditary neurological disorder that typically develops during childhood and often persists into adulthood, marked by involuntary vocal sounds and physical movements called tics. Frequently misunderstood and misdiagnosed, TS has a profoundly negative impact on quality of life. The cause of the condition is unknown, and there is no known cure. Founded in 1972, the national Tourette Syndrome Association (TSA) is the only national, voluntary health organization for people with Tourette Syndrome. The TSA has a three-pronged mission to identify the cause of, control the effects of, and to find a cure for Tourette Syndrome through education, research and service. The TSA directs a network of 33 Chapters and more than 120 support groups across the country.  For more information about TS, call 1-888-4-TOURET or visit http://tsa-usa.org.

SOURCE Tourette Syndrome Association