Springfield proclaims November 2025 Epilepsy Awareness Month

The Springfield City Commission presented a proclamation declaring November 2025 as Epilepsy Awareness Month and invited local advocates and partners to accept the recognition and speak about needs and resources.

Dr. Crystal Hall, executive director of Epilepsy Foundation Ohio, accepted the proclamation and described the foundation’s work, saying, "Our mission is to improve the lives of individuals living with epilepsy through education, advocacy, research, and connection." She highlighted seizure recognition and first-aid training for law enforcement and schools and noted the foundation’s advocacy for "seizure-safe schools" legislation.

Travis Shearing, managing partner at the local Texas Roadhouse, described why his restaurant supports the foundation, citing multiple people he knew who were affected by seizures. "All of these people that we've mentioned are the reasons that we at Texas Roadhouse find it very important to support the Epilepsy Foundation," Shearing said, and noted upcoming fundraisers and toy drives that will direct a portion of proceeds to epilepsy-related causes.

Sharon Devore, a Springfield resident and family member of a student who died from SUDEP, recounted her family’s advocacy that helped produce Ohio’s "Sarah’s Law," part of House Bill 33. Devore said the law requires seizure first-aid training for school personnel, individualized seizure action plans created with parents and health-care professionals, and at least one employee per school building trained every two years.

The commission invited the speakers for a photo and turned to the formal agenda. The remarks were ceremonial and informational; no commission action was required to present the proclamation.