Item B3
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Meeting Date: October 20, 2004
Division:
BOCC
Bulk Item: Yes
No-L
Department: DISTRICT 5
AGENDA ITEM WORDING: Proclamation to declare November as National Epilepsy
Awareness Month in Monroe County.
ITEM BACKGROUND:
See attached proclamation
PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION:
CONTRACT/AGREEMENT CHANGES:
STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
TOTAL COST:
N/A
BUDGETED: Yes
No
COST TO COUNTY:
SOURCE OF FUNDS:
REVENUE PRODUCING: Yes
No
AMOUNT PER MONTH_ Year
APPROVED BY: County Atty _ OMBlPurchasing _ Risk Management_
DOCUMENTATION:
Included
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{ MAYORM . YE.NELSON
X ToFollow_ NotRequired_
DIVISION DIRECTOR APPROVAL:
DISPOSITION:
AGENDAITEM# FQ ~,3
Revised 1/03
JIlapor' 5
t)roclamation
~
WHEREAS, Epilepsy, also known as Seizure Disorder, has afflicted mankind
since the dawn of our species and has been recognized since the earliest medical
writings; and
WHEREAS, Epilepsy can be caused by injury to the brain, lack of oxygen at
birth, brain tumor, infection and brain hemorrhage; in sixty percent (60%) of the cases,
the cause is unknown; and
IIIIl
WHEREAS, Epilepsy can affect anyone, at any age and at any time; more than
two million, 150,000 of which are Florida residents, are afflicted with some kind of
Epilepsy; and
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WHEREAS, the stigma associated with this disorder is sometimes worse than
the disorder itself, two-thirds of those afflicted are drug controlled; and
WHEREAS, Epilepsy poses the greatest barrier to employment with
unemployment rates estimated to fall between twenty and twenty-five percent, people
who have Epilepsy make reliable and conscientious workers in job performance,
productivity, safety, cooperation and attendance; and
WHEREAS, a person who has Epilepsy needs a supporti.ve environment and
employers who are willing to give them an opportunity to become productive citizens.
NOW, THEREFORE, by the power vested in me as Mayor of Monroe County,
Florida, I, Murray E. Nelson, do hereby proclaim November as
NATIONAL EPILEPSY
AWARENESS MONTH
WITNESS my hand and seal of the County of Monroe, Florida, this 20TH day of
October, 2004.
"}..
1)rfMAA..~ · ,*~d~- -
Mayor Mu . ay E. Nelson
Commissoner Spehar
292 3466
p. 1
MITIEE FOR EPILEPSY AWARENESS
6670 ROYAL PALM BLVD
BLDG. K APT. 302
MARGATE, FLORIDA 33063-2189
Jerry pizza, Chairman
(954) 984-8319
Bill Naulty, Secretary
(561) 798-2798
. Y~t~ery~<>1../.
Dear ~LAJ'V'"
The month of November is "NATIONAL EPILEPSY AWARENESS MONTH". The
Committee for Epilepsy Awareness would greatly appreciate your assistance in helping
bring about an awareness of this disorder.
Due to lack of correct information and an abundance of misinformation, people afflicted
with Epilepsy have been discriminated against in all walks of life.
It is our goal to remove the ancient myths, superstitions and prejudices associated with
this disorder and educate people as to what Epilepsy is and what Epilepsy is not.
Enclosed, please find a copy of our resolution. If your municipality participates in our
awareness campaign, please send a copy ofthe resolution or proclamation to:
Jerry Pizza - Chairman
Committee for Epilepsy Awareness
6670 Royal Palm Blvd.
Bldg. K. Apt. 302
Margate, Florida 33063-2189
Thank you in advance for your interest in and concern for people afflicted with Epilepsy.
Sincerely, ~
e
Chairman
P. S. Thanks to your support, last year 366 communities participated in our awareness
campaign.