Commissioners observe Dysautonomia Awareness Month

At their Oct. 18 meeting, the Granville County Board of Commissioners issued a proclamation in support of Dysautonomia Awareness Month, observed during the month of October.

Dysautonomia is a group of medical conditions resulting in the malfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for “automatic” body functions such as respiration, heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, temperature control, etc. More than 70 million people around the world are impacted by dysautonomia, including many local residents.

Katie Haynes of Granville County was in attendance during the meeting and accepted the proclamation on behalf of Dysautonomia International.

Proclamation for Dysautonomia Awareness Month

WHEREAS, 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. Dysautonomia impacts over 70 million people around the world, and includes conditions such as diabetic autonomic neuropathy, vasovagal syncope, pure autonomic failure, and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome; dysautonomia impacts people of any age, gender, race or background, including many individuals living in Granville County;

WHEREAS, dysautonomia can be very disabling. This disabling, and this disability can result in social isolation, stress on the families of those impacted, and financial hardship. Some forms of dysautonomia can result in death, causing tremendous pain and suffering for those impacted and their loved ones;

WHEREAS, increased awareness about dysautonomia will help patients get diagnosed, treated earlier, save lives, and foster support for individuals and families coping with dysautonomia in our community. Dysautonomia International, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that advocates on behalf of patients living with dysautonomia, encourages communities to celebrate Dysautonomia Awareness Month each October around the world. We seek to recognize the contribution of medical professionals, patients and family members who are working to educate our citizenry about dysautonomia in Granville County.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Commissioners of the County of Granville, State of North Carolina, does hereby proclaim the month of October as DYSAUTONOMIA AWARENESS MONTH.

This the 18th Day of October, 2021.