Sen. Judy Schwank

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution officially designates May 2024 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Pennsylvania to highlight the prevalence of mental health conditions in the state. The measure acknowledges that mental illness affects millions of residents and can impact physical health, while noting that current responses from institutions still need improvement. Although the resolution does not create new laws or funding, it calls on the Senate to pursue policies that ensure mental health receives equal attention and resources as physical health.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 2024 as "Lyme Disease and Tick-Borne Illness Awareness Month" throughout Pennsylvania to highlight the prevalence and risks of these conditions. The measure does not alter laws or allocate funding but instead serves to raise public awareness about prevention, symptoms, and the importance of early diagnosis. By formally recognizing the month, the Senate aims to encourage residents to take precautions against tick bites and seek timely medical care.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates the week of May 5 through 11, 2024, as "Jewish Day Schools Week" throughout Pennsylvania. The measure aims to recognize the state's 30 Jewish day schools and the approximately 440,000 people of Jewish faith or ancestry who rely on them for education and community support. By officially naming this time period, the bill expresses appreciation for the institutions' role in preserving culture and language while highlighting their contributions to society. The resolution does not alter laws or budgets but serves as a formal acknowledgment of the schools' importance to the Commonwealth.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution officially designates May 2024 as Jewish American Heritage Month within the state of Pennsylvania. The measure aims to honor the history, culture, and contributions of Jewish Americans to the state's communities and institutions. By adopting this designation, the Senate encourages Pennsylvanians to learn about and celebrate Jewish heritage during the month of May.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates the week of May 6 through 12, 2024, as "Nurses Week" throughout Pennsylvania. The measure aims to recognize the selfless service of the state's healthcare workers, who include over 242,000 registered nurses and thousands of other licensed nursing professionals. By formally acknowledging this period, the Senate highlights the critical role nurses play in the Commonwealth's healthcare delivery system. The bill does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to honor the nursing profession.

Maddy summarySB 1169 amends Pennsylvania's Controlled Substance Act to formally define key terms like "opioid" and "emergency opioid antagonist," which includes drugs such as naloxone used to reverse overdoses. The bill requires the Department of Health to update training and protocols for emergency medical services providers, law enforcement, firefighters, and other groups to recognize overdoses and administer reversal medication safely. It also mandates the creation of free, age-appropriate educational materials for schools, correctional facilities, and the general public to reduce stigma and promote safe use of these life-saving drugs. Additionally, the legislation allows law enforcement agencies and fire departments to enter agreements to obtain supplies of emergency opioid antagonists after their personnel complete the required training.