Dear Honorable State Representatives: On July 26, 2013,Leroy McKinney, Jr., age 42, committed suicide after suffering many years of side-effects caused by aprescription drug, Invega, made by Janssen Pharmaceuticals. The drug Invega gave Leroy a permanent side-effect called Tardive Dyskinesia,which caused him severe neck pain, facial grimace, and involuntary muscle movements. Though Leroy suffered from mental illness, it was not the mental illness that killed him. Instead, it was the decline of his quality of life caused by the prescription drug, which made him depressed, disfigured, isolated, fearful of medication, and subject to scrutiny from those who did not understand his condition! You see, Leroy wanted all the same things as you and me: a family, children, a job, and more, but was denied the opportunity because of his illness and the lack of support available for his medical condition caused by Invega. In fact, he contacted Janssen for help with his Tardive condition, and received no support! As someone concerned about this issue, I am disheartened to know that Michigan is one of the only States in the Country to offer immunity from litigation to pharmaceutical companies whomake harmful FDA approved medications, with no legal recourse for consumers who have been harmed by them! I request that you re-visit the state Statute MCL 600.2946, and introduce a new Bill to protect individuals like Leroyfrom big pharmaceutical companies who make money (without accountability) while consumers suffer. The Statute as it stands, makes consumers vulnerable. It is my belief that Medicine should heal - not kill. Please take action starting today, the day Leroy would have turned 43 (September 16th). My entire social network is counting on you to do the right thing!

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