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Durham City proclaims May 2025 Huntington’s disease awareness month
Summary
Durham City Mayor Leonardo Williams read a proclamation recognizing May 2025 as Huntington’s disease awareness month, highlighting local care resources and research progress. Advocates from HD Rich and a Duke neurologist described the condition’s impacts and the need for services.
Durham City Mayor Leonardo Williams on May 5 proclaimed May 2025 as Huntington’s disease awareness month, citing the progressive, hereditary nature of the disorder and local resources for patients and families.
The proclamation, read during the City Council meeting, noted that Huntington’s disease is a “progressively degenerative” neurological disorder that often causes severe physical and cognitive decline over 10 to 20 years and highlighted local care and referral services. A neurologist from Duke University, who spoke at the meeting, said the disease “is a devastating disease” that often strikes people in their most productive years and leaves many disabled for years.
The proclamation listed prevalence figures offered at the meeting: about 1,400 people in North Carolina with Huntington’s disease and about 41,000 in the United States. Council members also noted that Duke’s Movement Disorders Center is recognized by the Huntington’s Disease Society of America as one of 55 centers of excellence nationally.
Betmia Farlen, identified at the meeting as executive director of HD Rich, thanked the council for the recognition and said the organization provides statewide referrals, education and support services. Farlen said HD Rich intends to continue partnerships with Duke and other hospitals in North Carolina.
Speakers at the meeting said stigma and fear can prevent people from seeking care, and they described outreach and coordination with social workers and local congregations to help patients obtain medicines and services. The proclamation urged residents to observe the month with “ceremonies, activities and programs appropriate” to raise awareness.
No formal action beyond the reading of the proclamation was recorded.
The council heard the proclamation during its ceremonial items at the start of the May 5 meeting.
