The bill aims to officially designate the month of May each year as "Huntington's Disease Awareness Month" in the state of Michigan. It acknowledges the significant challenges posed by Huntington's disease, a progressive neurological disorder that affects over 41,000 Americans, with an additional 200,000 individuals at genetic risk. The bill highlights the severe implications of the disease, including its onset in mid-life and the rapid progression in juvenile cases, which often leads to early mortality. It also emphasizes the importance of raising awareness among the public and medical community to support ongoing research and services, as there is currently no effective treatment or cure for the disease.
To further this awareness, the bill specifies that adult onset Huntington's disease is represented by the color blue, while juvenile onset is represented by the color purple. The legislative declaration aims to align with national standards for awareness and support, thereby fostering a greater understanding of Huntington's disease and its impact on individuals and families.