REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Proclamation for Lupus Awareness Month
Report
BACKGROUND
In 1977, President Jimmy Carter signed the Public Law 95-72, declaring the commencement of the first National Lupus Awareness Week and established a week long observance in September to raise awareness for lupus. In 1982, the week-long observance was moved to October. The first month-long observance of Lupus Awareness Month occurred in October 1986 when President Ronald Reagan signed Public Law 99-365, declaring the entire month of October a commemoration of lupus awareness. Lupus Awareness Month was celebrated throughout the month of October until 2009 when the Lupus Foundation of America shifted the observance to the month of May to coincide with other annual celebrations.
DISCUSSION
Lupus Awareness Month is celebrated throughout the month of May with events to increase awareness of lupus, educate the public about the disease, and promote research regarding lupus. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of various parts of the body particularly the skin, heart, joints, and kidneys. Lupus affects one out of every 185 people.
More Than Lupus and the Lupus and Allied Diseases Association are nonprofit organizations that provide lupus patient and family services. Their programs are designed to educate those affected by lupus, promote lupus awareness, and support external lupus research efforts.
In honor of Lupus Awareness Month, the Mayor has signed a City Proclamation, proclaiming the month of May 2019, as Lupus Awareness Month in the City of Santa Clara. The Lupus Awareness Month proclamation will be presented to Christine Von Raesfeld who will accept the proclamation on behalf of More Than Lupus and the Lupus and Allied Diseases Association.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This is an informational report only and no action is being taken by the City Council and no environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") is required.
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