Virginia Beach proclaims Parkinson's Awareness Month and honors Professor Lawrence D. Hultgren

The Virginia Beach City Council used part of its agenda to recognize local leaders and raise awareness for Parkinson's disease. The council presented a proclamation honoring Dr. Lawrence D. Hultgren for his long career in philosophy and service to Virginia Wesleyan University, and the mayor proclaimed April as Parkinson's Awareness Month for the city.

The honoree, Dr. Lawrence D. Hultgren, accepted the proclamation and thanked the council and the community. In his remarks he offered a proverb he said guided his work: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with others," and reflected on the role of students, faculty and community support in his career.

Representatives of the American Parkinson's Disease Association, Virginia chapter, identified themselves during the presentation. "My name is Catherine. I'm the chapter coordinator for APD Virginia," one speaker said; another added, "This is Naomi. She is our program director." They summarized the chapter's work providing resources, education and local programs for people with Parkinson's disease and thanked the council for the proclamation.

Why it matters: Ceremonial proclamations do not create policy but signal city recognition of public-health issues and local leaders. The Parkinson's proclamation highlights the presence of local nonprofit resources that the council formally recognized.

Next steps: These proclamations are ceremonial. Residents seeking Parkinson's resources were encouraged by the chapter representatives to contact the Virginia chapter of the American Parkinson's Disease Association.