Item 4-a - Proclamation Declaring October as Dysautonomia Awareness Month

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1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: October 16, 2018 Action Agenda Item No. 4-a SUBJECT: Proclamation Declaring October 2018 as Dysautonomia Awareness Month DEPARTMENT: County Manager ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: 1) September 12, 2018 Letter of Request from Bonnie Hammersley, 919-245-2300 Miranda Harris with Sample Proclamation 2) Proclamation PURPOSE: To adopt a proclamation declaring October 2018 as Dysautonomia Awareness Month. BACKGROUND: Miranda Harris, an Orange High School student, recently submitted a letter requesting that the Board of Commissioners consider approving a proclamation declaring October 2018 as Dysautonomia Awareness Month. Ms. Harris' request is provided at Attachment 1. Dysautonomia is a group of medical conditions that result in a malfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for "automatic" bodily functions such as respiration, heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, temperature control and more. Some forms of dysautonomia are considered rare diseases, such as Multiple System Atrophy and Pure Autonomic Failure, while other forms of dysautonomia are common, impacting millions of people in the US and around the world, such as Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy, Neurocardiogenic Syncope and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. Dysautonomia impacts people of any age, gender, race or background, including many individuals living in Orange County. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with consideration of the proclamation. SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals are applicable to this item: • GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND INEQUITY The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color; religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or ethnic background; age; military service; disability; and familial, residential or economic status. • GOAL: ENABLE FULL CIVIC PARTICIPATION Ensure that Orange County residents are able to engage government through voting and volunteering by eliminating disparities in participation and barriers to participation. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation provided at Attachment 2.