WHEREAS, End Epilepsy® Month is a nationwide effort of the Epilepsy Foundation to raise awareness about and change the conversation around epilepsy and seizures, to engage everyone in the fight to End Epilepsy® as well as to improve and save lives through care, advocacy, research, new therapies, and education; and

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

WHEREAS, epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological condition, and one in twenty-six people in the United States will develop epilepsy in their lifetime due to abnormal brain development, illness, brain injury, or unknown causes; and

WHEREAS, a widespread lack of knowledge and understanding about epilepsy and other seizure disorders often results in bullying, isolation, and stigmatization by peers; and

WHEREAS, more than 30,000 people live with epilepsy in Utah. The Epilepsy Foundation of Utah provides training on seizures, support groups, raises epilepsy awareness, and worked to pass Seizure Safe Schools Legislation in the 2022 session to support children with epilepsy in our schools; and

WHEREAS, protections exist in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related civil rights laws, yet people with epilepsy still encounter discrimination in areas including employment, education, and housing; and

WHEREAS, through our collective action this End Epilepsy® Month, coupled with other awareness initiatives, we can increase public knowledge about epilepsy and seizure first-aid to change the way people think about epilepsy and seizures.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Erin Mendenhall, Mayor of Salt Lake City, proclaim November 2021, as:

End Epilepsy® Month in Salt Lake City

To view an electronic copy of the signed proclamation, click here.