Creates a program for public awareness of post polio sequelae within the department of health

1 Co-sponsor

• Antoine M. Thompson

Title of bill

An act to amend the public health law, in relation to the post polio sequelae public awareness program

Purpose or general idea of bill

To establish a public awareness campaign to alert post-polio survivors, their families, health care providers and the general public about this syndrome to encourage proper identification, treatment and relief from the condition.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 adds a new paragraph (h) to Subdivision 1 of Section 207 of the public health law, including post-poliomyelitis sequelae as a category for the existing wellness, education and outreach program. Section 2 identifies that the act shall take effect immediately.

Justification

It is estimated that there are as many as 120,000 survivors of polio in the state of New York; it is generally found that 70% of paralytic polio survivors and 40% of non-paralytic survivors are developing post-polio impacts with unexpected and disabling symptoms, ranging from muscle weakness to difficulty in breathing and swallowing, up to 35 years after the initial polio virus attack. These impacts can be treated if polio survivors are aware of their unique health problems, and respond accordingly. The post-polio sequelae awareness effort seeks to inform the public, through health care providers, to reach the affected group of post-polio survivors and their families.

Prior legislative history

2005-06: A.9751, Referred to Assembly Health Committee 2007-08: A.5395-a, Referred to Assembly Health Committee

Fiscal, implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.