Proclamation Requests

Sample Governor’s PROCLAMATION

Note: Each state will use different language, but this is a great starting point.

WHEREAS, Pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) and pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with streptococcal infection (PANDAS) are misdirected immune responses that result in acute onset of obsessive-compulsive symptoms or eating restrictions, along with tics, anxiety, aggression, depression, personality changes, ADHD, loss of academic skill, developmental regression, deterioration in school performance and more; causing previously healthy and emotionally adjusted children to have severe neuropsychiatric issues; and

WHEREAS, PANS can be triggered by infections, such as mycoplasma pneumonia, viruses, but also non-infectious triggers, such as environmental factors and metabolic dysfunctions; and PANDAS, a subset of PANS, is triggered by group A streptococcal infection; and

WHEREAS, Children with PANS and PANDAS may experience moderate to dramatic improvement with antimicrobials, anti-inflammatories, immunomodulators, and if needed, psychotherapeutic treatment; and

WHEREAS, Researchers at the National Institute of Mental Health, along with 13 Centers for Excellence throughout the country, are currently engaged in extensive research to further the disease mechanisms and etiologies and develop further effective treatment options for PANS and PANDAS; and

WHEREAS, expert members of a physicians specialty society, the PANDAS Physicians Network, have developed and published standard diagnostic and treatment methods; and

WHEREAS, The organization ASPIRE; The Alliance to Solve PANS and Immune Related Encephalopathies, strives to build public awareness, educate medical providers about the disorder and treatments for same, build support for legislation involving the disorder, and provide support and resources for families affected by PANDAS/PANS, in accordance with section 501(c)(3); and

WHEREAS, The actual number of children suffering from PANS and PANDAS has been estimated to be approximately one out of every 200 children in the United States; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of this serious health issue; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ____________ OF THE STATE OF _________, that we designate the date of October 9 of xxYearxx as PANS and PANDAS Awareness Day in the State of __________; and be it further RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to __________, ASPIRE xxStatexx.