SENATE HEALTH, HUMAN SERVICES AND SENIOR CITIZENS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION No. 148

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MAY 19, 2025

      The Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee reports favorably Senate Joint Resolution No. 148.

      This bill designates September of each year as “Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month” in New Jersey.

      Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a muscular degenerative disease that results in the progressive loss of muscle tissue and function.  DMD is caused by genetic mutations on the X chromosome, which affects approximately 1 out of every 3,500 male infants.

      Symptoms of DMD generally present between ages two and three and rapidly progress, with many individuals with DMD requiring wheelchair assistance between ages 10 and 12 and a breathing ventilator by age 20.  Individuals with DMD may also experience paralysis and cardiopulmonary complications, including difficulty breathing or heart failure.  DMD is a fatal disease with an average life expectancy of 25 years.

      While there is no cure for DMD, non-profit organizations across the country and in New Jersey are dedicated to raising awareness of DMD, advocating for improved care and access to treatment, and funding research to cure this devastating disease.  Efforts to improve patients’ access to treatment are critical as research indicates that optimal care can help to significantly increase the life expectancy for individuals with DMD.  In addition, increasing awareness of DMD may help promote empathy and understanding, foster a sense of community, strengthen advocacy efforts, and encourage social and emotional support for the young people and families affected by DMD.

      To join and support ongoing public awareness and advocacy efforts, September of each year is designated as “Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month” in New Jersey.  The Governor is requested to issue a proclamation annually to recognize September of each year as “Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Month” and call upon relevant State agencies, organizations, and citizens of the State to observe the month with appropriate awareness activities and programs.