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 at risk of inheriting the gene responsible for the disease. The bill highlights the severe impact of Huntington's disease, including its symptoms, age of onset, and the lack of effective treatments or cures. It also emphasizes the importance of raising awareness among the public and medical community to support ongoing research and services related to 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 and promote understanding of the disease's effects, thereby encouraging public engagement and support for those affected by Huntington's disease.