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Rhea County issues proclamations for Safe Digging Month and Apraxia Awareness Day
Summary
The commission issued proclamations recognizing "Call Before You Dig" (811) safety guidance and declared May 14, 2026, as Apraxia Awareness Day, urging early speech therapy for affected children.
The Rhea County Commission read and approved proclamations at its April 21 meeting encouraging public and contractor attention to safe digging practices and designating May 14, 2026, as an awareness day for childhood apraxia of speech.
The digging proclamation referenced the FCC designation of 811 (implemented in 2007) and urged residents and excavators to contact 811 ahead of any excavation to prevent service interruptions, environmental damage, injury or death. The proclamation stressed waiting required response times and respecting utility marks.
A second proclamation described apraxia's impact on children's speech development and emphasized the need for early, sustained speech therapy to reduce downstream risks to reading, writing and school performance. The proclamation called on citizens and organizations to increase awareness and support families affected by apraxia.
Both proclamations were presented during the meeting and moved forward by the commission. The proclamations are chiefly symbolic but intended to support outreach and public-information efforts in Rhea County.
