November 2023: Epilepsy Awareness Month

WHEREAS, Epilepsy Awareness Month is a nationwide effort by the Epilepsy Foundation and the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan to raise awareness about and change the conversation around epilepsy, seizures, and side effects, as well as to improve and save lives through care, advocacy, research and new therapies, and public health and education; and,

WHEREAS, epilepsy is a brain disorder characterized by recurrent seizures that can affect anyone, at any age, any time; and,

WHEREAS, epilepsy is a spectrum disorder comprised of many diagnoses and experiences and includes a wide range of seizure types, comorbidities, control, severity, and outcomes varying from person to person; and,

WHEREAS, epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder. Approximately 3.4 million people in the U.S. including 108,900 in Michigan live with active epilepsy; and,

WHEREAS, approximately 400,000 Hispanic Americans and 578,000 black, non-Hispanic Americans live with epilepsy in the U.S.; and,

WHEREAS, 470,000 children under 14 live with epilepsy in the U.S., including 13,600 children in Michigan; and,

WHEREAS, people with epilepsy need access to affordable, comprehensive, physician-directed, and person-centered healthcare; and,

WHEREAS, effective treatments decrease the likelihood of breakthrough seizures and related complications including injury, disability, or even Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP); and,

WHEREAS, direct healthcare spending attributable to epilepsy annually is approximately $54 billion, and average annual spending for persons with epilepsy is more than $15,000; and,

WHEREAS, people living with epilepsy are protected from discrimination in employment, education, and housing by the Americans with Disabilities Act and related civil rights laws; and

WHEREAS, it is important to increase public knowledge about epilepsy and seizure first aid to better support individuals living with epilepsy;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim November 2023 as Epilepsy Awareness Month in Michigan to encourage Michigan residents to learn about epilepsy, support individuals living with this disorder, and support efforts to diagnose and treat seizures, find cures and save lives.