September is a big month as far as gubernatorial proclamations go.
The goal of a proclamation is to bring greater awareness and understanding of a particular subject area, including heritage and culture, tourism, the economy, and public health matters — just to name a few.
Governor Pat McCrory has proclaimed September as Alcohol And Drug Addiction Recovery Month, Charcot-Marie-Tooth Awareness Month, Chiari Malformation Awareness Month, Dystonia Awareness Month, Hydrocephalus Awareness Month, North Carolina Preparedness Month, Pace Month, Prostate Cancer Month, Surfing Month, and Wine And Grape Month.
To learn more about each of these subjects, read the governor’s individual proclamations below or download all the official documents here.
Alcohol And Drug Addiction Recovery Month
Whereas, prevention of mental and/or substance use disorders works, treatment is effective, and people recover in our state and around the nation; and
Whereas, preventing and overcoming mental and/or substance use disorders is essential to achieving healthy lifestyles, both physically and emotionally; and
Whereas, we must encourage relatives and friends of people with mental and/or substance use disorders to implement preventive measures, recognize the signs of a problem and guide those in need to appropriate treatment and recovery support services; and
Whereas, more than 700,000 people in North Carolina are estimated to be affected by these conditions; and
Whereas, to help more people achieve and sustain long-term recovery, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Mental Health Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services invites all residents of North Carolina to participate in National Recovery Month;
Now, therefore, I, Pat McCrory, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim September 2016, as “ALCOHOL AND DRUG ADDICTION RECOVERY MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth Awareness Month
Whereas, Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disorder, a disease of the nerves that control muscles, is the most commonly inherited peripheral neuropathy, affecting one in 2,500 people worldwide, including approximately 3,800 people in North Carolina; and
Whereas, this disorder, named after the three physicians who discovered it in 1886 — Jean Charcot, Pierre Marie and Howard Henry Tooth — is characterized by a slow and progressive degeneration of the muscles in the feet, lower legs, hands and arms, causing loss of normal function and/or sensation that can be severely disabling and may be accompanied by chronic pain and fatigue; and
Whereas, the mission of the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association (CMTA) is to raise awareness, to support the development of new drugs to treat CMT, to improve the quality of life for people with CMT and ultimately to find a cure for CMT; and
Whereas, the CMTA’s Strategy to Accelerate Research (STAR) initiative is making great strides in developing therapies for CMT through innovative public/private partnerships with the National Institutes of Health and universities and laboratories worldwide in the search for a treatment for CMT; and
Whereas, in an effort to encourage research and raise awareness, the State of North Carolina joins the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association, and other interested agencies and organizations, in recognizing the challenges of CMT patients and families living with this disease;
Now, therefore, I, Pat McCrory, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim September 2016 as “CHARCOT-MARIE-TOOTH AWARENESS MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.
Chiari Malformation Awareness Month
Whereas, in September 2016, a walk will be held during the annual Conquer Chiari Walk Across America in Aberdeen, North Carolina; and
Whereas, Chiari Malformation (CM) is a serious neurological disorder affecting over 300,000 people in the United States, first identified by Austrian pathologist Professor Hans Chiari in the 1890s and categorized in order of severity: CM types 0, 1, 1.5, 2, 3 and 4; and
Whereas, Chiari Malformations are defects in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls balance; this creates pressure on the cerebellum and brain stem and may block the normal flow of cerebral spinal fluid to and from the brain; and
Whereas, the cause of Chiari Malformation is unknown, but scientists believe it is either a congenital condition caused by exposure to harmful substances during fetal development or that it can be a genetic condition, as it may appear in more than one family member; and
Whereas, symptoms usually appear during adolescence or early adulthood and can include severe head and neck pain, vertigo, muscle weakness, balance problems, blurred vision or double vision, difficulty swallowing and sleep apnea; and
Whereas, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke of the National Institutes of Health is conducting research to find alternative surgical options and identify the cause of the malformations to create improved treatment and prevention plans; and
Whereas, the State of North Carolina supports efforts to cure and treat Chiari Malformation;
Now, therefore, I, Pat McCrory, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim September 2016, as “CHIARI MALFORMATION AWARENESS MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.
Dystonia Awareness Month
Whereas, Dystonia Awareness Month will foster understanding of the impact the various forms of dystonia have on those affected, their families, and friends and caregivers; and
Whereas, dystonia is a neurological disorder present in various forms, characterized by involuntary muscle contractions causing abnormal, often repetitive, movements or postures; and
Whereas, dystonia is a commonly delayed diagnosis denying access to appropriate medical care for those who are affected; there are treatments for dystonia but currently no cure; and
Whereas, trauma like that experienced by military service members can lead to the onset of dystonia; and
Whereas, countless friends, loved ones, spouses, and caregivers must shoulder the physical, emotional and financial burdens that dystonia causes; and
Whereas, the severity of the symptoms of dystonia and the limited public awareness of the disease cause many patients to be isolated; and
Whereas, Dystonia Awareness Month will raise public awareness and understanding of a disorder with numerous manifestations that affects people of all ages, races and genders; and
Whereas, the State of North Carolina supports efforts to raise awareness for the disorder and organizations dedicated to finding a cure for dystonia;
Now, therefore, I, Pat McCrory, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim September 2016, as “DYSTONIA AWARENESS MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.
Hydrocephalus Awareness Month
Whereas, hydrocephalus, derived from the Greek words “hydro” meaning water and “cephalus” meaning head, is a condition that has no cure and in which the primary characteristic is excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain resulting in abnormal widening of spaces in the brain called ventricles, which creates harmful pressure on the tissues of the brain and can be fatal if untreated; and
Whereas, there are two primary types of hydrocephalus, including congenital hydrocephalus, which is present at birth and may be caused by either events or influences that occur during fetal development, or genetic abnormalities; acquired hydrocephalus, which develops at the time of birth or at some point afterward and affects individuals of all ages and may be caused by injury or disease; two other forms of hydrocephalus which primarily affect adults are: ex-vacuo, which occurs when stroke or traumatic injury cause damage to the brain, and normal pressure hydrocephalus, which can happen to people at any age, but it is most common among the elderly and often whose cause is unknown; and
Whereas, the number of people who develop hydrocephalus or who are currently living with it is difficult to establish since there is no national registry of people with the condition; nevertheless, experts estimate that it affects over 1 million Americans and occurs in 1.5 in every 1,000 live births and in an estimated 700,000 older Americans; and
Whereas, the only treatment for hydrocephalus requires brain surgery; most often, hydrocephalus is treated by surgically inserting a shunt system which diverts the flow of cerebrospinal fluid to another area of the body where it can be absorbed as part of the normal circulatory process; and
Whereas, affected individuals and their families should be aware that hydrocephalus poses risks to both cognitive and physical development and often requires repeated brain surgeries over a lifetime; however, children diagnosed with the disorder benefit from early intervention programs, rehabilitation therapies and educational interventions and many go on to lead lives with few limitations; and
Whereas, in 2009, the United States Congress passed a Resolution designating the month of September as National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month; and
Whereas, representatives from the national, state, and local levels, including the Charlotte Hydrocephalus Association and the national-level Hydrocephalus Association, in conjunction with leaders from professional, community, and medical-based organizations and associations, are dedicated to increasing public awareness of hydrocephalus and the needs of families, resulting in better health for all individuals in the State of North Carolina and throughout the nation; and
Whereas, the State of North Carolina encourages efforts to raise awareness about hydrocephalus and supports efforts to learn more about its causes and treatment options;
Now, therefore, I, Pat McCrory, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim September 2016, as “HYDROCEPHALUS AWARENESS MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.
North Carolina Preparedness Month
Whereas, last year alone North Carolina experienced nine tornadoes, 432 severe thunderstorms and high wind events, 110 hail storms and 133 flood events; and
Whereas, two tropical systems formed before the 2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially began, and Hurricane Arthur made history in 2014 as the earliest ever hurricane to make landfall in North Carolina, reminding us that preparedness is needed all year long; and
Whereas, communities across the state have seen the impacts from wildfires, severe weather, damaging hail, high winds and flooding; and
Whereas, every community, business, family and individual in North Carolina must be ready for natural and man-made disasters including tornadoes, flooding, hurricanes and public disturbances that might disrupt normal daily activities; and
Whereas, all North Carolinians can take a few simple steps by making a family disaster plan, creating an emergency supply kit and staying informed – to help make preparedness and personal responsibility a priority in every community; and
Whereas, residents should help the elderly and those who cannot help themselves; and
Whereas, residents should include the safety of their pets and/or livestock in their emergency plans; and
Whereas, North Carolina Emergency Management has created a ReadyNC website in both English and Spanish, as well as preparedness videos in American Sign Language (ASL), and updated its ReadyNC mobile app to help residents with their emergency preparedness plans; and
Whereas, the N.C. Department of Public Safety, N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, the N.C. Emergency Management Association, Citizen Corps and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security have collaborated to recognize September as National Preparedness Month to inform and educate North Carolinians about the importance of being prepared;
Now, therefore, I, Pat McCrory, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim September 2016, as “NORTH CAROLINA PREPAREDNESS MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this seventeenth day of August in the year of our Lord two thousand and sixteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-first.
Pace Month
Whereas, PACE (Programs of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) addresses the needs of the frail elderly and disabled adults ages 55 and older, a population which is growing rapidly and whose impact on health care costs is significant; and
Whereas, PACE is a fully integrated model of care that provides comprehensive, highly coordinated care allowing frail older adults who meet state eligibility criteria for nursing home level of care, to continue living in the community; and
Whereas, individuals enrolled in PACE receive all Medicare and Medicaid covered items and services and additional support which promote well-being and greater independence; and
Whereas, PACE programs assume full financial risk for all care and medical services, including transportation, hospitalization, and long-term care in return for capitated payments from Medicare and Medicaid; and
Whereas, North Carolina’s first PACE program opened in 2008 and there are now 11 PACE programs operating in 12 sites, serving approximately 1800 participants; and
Whereas, the NC PACE Association formed in 2011 to support the development, expansion, success and quality of PACE programs throughout North Carolina and is now celebrating its fifth year of existence advancing PACE and transforming healthcare in North Carolina;
Now, therefore, I, Pat McCrory, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim September 2016, as “PACE MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this twenty-fourth day of August in the year of our Lord two thousand and sixteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-first.
Prostate Cancer Month
Whereas, prostate cancer is the number one cancer among men, and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in North Carolina; and
Whereas, approximately 7,700 men will be diagnosed this year, and an estimated 994 will die from prostate cancer; and
Whereas, African-American men, men with a family history of prostate cancer, and men exposed to Agent Orange are at highest risk; and
Whereas, prostate cancer not only affects men, but also families and friends; and
Whereas, prostate cancer is usually treatable if detected early and early stage prostate cancer usually has no symptoms; and
Whereas, men who have prostate cancer and are educated about the value of early detection will be more likely to have the cancer detected when it is treatable; and
Whereas, men who discuss treatment options with their healthcare provider and with their family are more likely to make good treatment decisions; and
Whereas, the State of North Carolina applauds efforts to cure and treat prostate cancer and seeks to raise awareness through Prostate Cancer Awareness Month to encourage men to discuss prostate cancer with their healthcare provider;
Now, therefore, I, Pat McCrory, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim September 2016, as “PROSTATE CANCER MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.
Surfing Month
Whereas, North Carolina is a pioneer of East Coast surfing, with written documentation of surfing activities in 1909 in the form of a letter by Wrightsville Beach resident Burke Haywood Bridgers that was published in Colliers Weekly, April 2, 1910; and
Whereas, surfing along North Carolina’s 300-mile coastline continues to be a popular sport whose participants include residents and tourists of all skill levels; and
Whereas, favorable surf conditions exist during the fall months when surfers seek out big and well-groomed waves that grace our shoreline; and
Whereas, the state consistently receives national and international recognition as a top surfing destination, including National Geographic Magazine’s 2014 designation that includes Wrightsville Beach in its list of “The World’s 20 Best Surf Towns”; and
Whereas, surfing is good for the economy, with an estimated annual economic impact in excess of $3 million for the state of North Carolina, according to a report by the Surfrider Foundation; and
Whereas, small businesses that serve the local surf community — such as surf shops, schools, camps, board makers, equipment rental companies and tournaments—have experienced growth in recent years; and
Whereas, tourism businesses such as restaurants, shops, hotels and attractions also benefit from the dollars surfers bring to our beach towns; and
Whereas, dozens of competitive professional and amateur surf events take place year-round, including fall events such as the ESA Eastern Surfing Championship at Nags Head, the Surfalorus Film Festival, and the N.C. Surf to Sound Challenge in Wrightsville Beach; and
Whereas, UNC-Wilmington’s surf team represents the state in regional and national surf competitions; and
Whereas, attractions that pay homage to the state’s surf culture include the Waterman’s Hall of Fame at the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History, exhibits at UNCW’s Randall Library, and surf art galleries all along the coast; and
Whereas, future surf heritage exhibits are planned for the N.C. Maritime Museum in Beaufort and the Cape Fear Museum of History in Wilmington; and
Whereas, the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources unveiled a Historical Highway Marker to honor Pioneer East Coast Surfing, across from Bridgers Street on Waynick Boulevard, Route 76, in Wrightsville Beach — the birthplace of surfing in North Carolina;
Now, therefore, I, Pat McCrory, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim September 2016, as “SURFING MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.
Wine And Grape Month
Whereas, the wine and grape industry is an important part of North Carolina’s agribusiness, tourism and commercial industries; and
Whereas, vineyards and wineries significantly enhance the state by providing unique travel destinations, green spaces and aesthetic appeal; and
Whereas, North Carolina is the home of our nation’s first cultivated wine grape, the scuppernong, which grew wild on Roanoke Island and today is more than 400 years old and stretches half an acre; it was noticed in 1585 by Sir Walter Raleigh explorers, which led to North Carolina becoming the leading wine-producing state prior to Prohibition; and
Whereas, North Carolina is home to four distinct American Viticultural Areas – Haw River Valley, Swan Creek, Upper Hiwassee Highlands and Yadkin Valley; and
Whereas, North Carolina ranks 10th nationally in wine production, with more than 180 wineries across the state; and also ranks 10th nationally in grape production with 525 commercial grape growers; and
Whereas, the annual economic impact of North Carolina-produced grapes and wine is estimated at $1.71 billion, employing 7,709 workers in the state;
Now, therefore, I, Pat McCrory, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim September 2016, as “WINE AND GRAPE MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.