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tourette syndrome association
of new jersey, inc.
198 West High
Street • Somerville, New Jersey 08876
Phone 908-575-7350 • Fax 908-575-8699
Web Site: www.tsanj.org • e-mail: NJTSA@aol.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2005
TOURETTE SYNDROME ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY LAUNCHES
PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
SOMERVILLE, NJ - The Tourette Syndrome Association of New Jersey has launched a statewide public awareness campaign intended to bring attention to Tourette Syndrome and the impact that the disorder has on more than 7,000 individuals and their families across New Jersey.
The campaign, created by Brandspa, LLC, of Montclair, New Jersey, is reaching out to all New Jerseyans through radio, bus cards, and billboards. The message, "Maybe it's not just some nervous habit. Maybe it's a neurological disorder, Maybe it's TS" is designed to inform the public that people exhibiting unusual behaviors may have Tourette Syndrome and that there is help available. All promotion prominently features the TS Helpline phone number 732-972-4459.
It is estimated that the campaign will reach 60% of New Jersey's population. The program is funded by Special Child Health and Early Intervention Services of the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services.
BACKGROUNDER:
Tourette Syndrome (TS) is an inherited neurological disorder that is manifested in involuntary physical and vocal tics. Symptoms generally appear before an individual is 18 years old. TS affects people of all ethnic groups with males affected 3 to 4 times more frequently than females. It is estimated that 200,000 Americans have full blown TS and that as many as 1 in 200 show a partial expression of the disorder. There is no cure for TS.
The mission of TSANJ is to support the needs of families with TS, to advocate for individuals with TS, and to educate the public and professionals on TS. TSANJ has a membership of 2,500 families and medical professionals. The organization relies completely on its membership, corporations, government, and foundations to fund its mission.
Currently TSANJ operates 10 support groups at regional medical centers across New Jersey; conducts awareness training for teachers, school nurses, students and community leaders; manages a TS help line for disseminating information about TS to parents, teachers, doctors, and others; sponsors a state-wide Family Contact Program; and works with Rutgers University at the nation's only student clinician TS clinic, developing support programs and treatments for families dealing with TS.
PRESS CONTACT: Rich Reitman 908-526-1390 or 908-400-6061
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