House bill 2591 carried by Senator Sara Gelser passed unanimously the Oregon Senate on May 25th, 2017.
HB 2591 will designate the month of May as Williams Syndrome Awareness Month in Oregon. Williams Syndrome is a rare genetic condition that is present at birth, affects as many as 30,000 individuals in the United States and is characterized by lifelong medical problems, including cardiovascular disease, developmental delays, and learning disabilities. Individuals with Williams Syndrome need costly, ongoing medical care and early interventions such as speech, physical, and occupational therapy. Many adults with Williams Syndrome contribute to their communities as volunteers or through employment, but few are able to be entirely self-sufficient. The Williams Syndrome Association was founded in 1982 as non-profit organization with the goal of being a comprehensive resource for people and families living with Williams Syndrome as well as for doctors, researchers, and educators. The Williams Syndrome Association has been successful in raising public awareness, increasing funding for new research and providing valuable information and support to families affected by Williams Syndrome. The Williams Syndrome Association seeks to further generate awareness and raise additional funding for programs and initiatives through organizing the month of May at Williams Syndrome Awareness Month.
For more information about Williams Syndrome Awareness Month click here
