Somerset County issues proclamations marking Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month and Rutgers Cooperative Extension “Living Well” month

Somerset County commissioners read and adopted two ceremonial proclamations recognizing public‑health and community wellness efforts.

The first proclamation recognized March as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month. A representative of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (introduced in the transcript as Vicki) said she was honored to accept the proclamation on behalf of people living with MS and their caregivers and noted that the disease is often described as "the unseen disease" because it affects people differently. "This week is National MS Awareness Week as well as March being National MS Awareness Month," the representative said.

The commission also designated a Rutgers Cooperative Extension "Living Well Month," commending the Extension—described in the proclamation as a unit of the New Jersey Agricultural Experimental Station at Rutgers University—for providing research‑based education promoting physical health, emotional resilience and community well‑being.

Officials used the public meeting to thank extension and FCHS staff for community work; the FCHS representative thanked the director, deputy director, the council and commissioners on behalf of the team and noted staff members Erica, Jennifer and Mikaela. The proclamations are ceremonial recognitions and do not, in themselves, create policy or funding commitments.

The meeting moved on after photos and brief remarks.