Chatham County proclaims Autism Acceptance and Donate Life Month, honors long‑service employees

The Chatham County Board of Commissioners on March 27 issued proclamations recognizing Autism Acceptance Month and Donate Life Month, and presented employee service awards to staff with milestone years of county service.

Aaron Whitley read a proclamation recognizing the third annual Vintage Autism Ball and invited community participation in a carnival on April 10 and the ball on April 11; the proclamation named the Vintage multi‑purpose building at 9800 Industry Drive as the event location and encouraged inclusive accommodations. "We make sure that the lighting and the sound are appropriate for the kids," said Rashidita Edwards of Vintage, which is organizing the weekend of events and related community programs.

The board also proclaimed April as Donate Life Month. Linda Morgan, introduced as a Lifelink patient ambassador and transplant recipient, told the board she underwent a bilateral lung and heart transplant in 2023 and described her recovery and how organ donation changed her life. "I was able to walk — or I should say run — down six flights of stairs right now to make your meeting," Morgan said, adding that she has met her donor family and encourages residents to register on the donor registry.

Commissioners thanked the speakers and asked staff to circulate registry information and outreach materials to the public. The county also recognized dozens of employees in a service-award presentation led by HR Director Stevens; the awards ranged from five years to 40 years of service and the chair thanked employees for their collective 350 years of service noted at the podium.

What’s next: event organizers said they will supply promotional details and the county's public information office will share donor registry materials ahead of April.