Post by Patti on Aug 1, 2004 11:17:23 GMT -5
Senate Resolution Declares September 7th AD/HD Awareness Day
POTTSTOWN , PA - The Attention Deficit Disorder Association today announces success in its effort to spearhead passage of a U.S. Senate resolution designating a "National Attention Deficit Disorder Awareness Day" on September 7, 2004 - a major step toward accomplishing ADDA's goal of spreading vital information and encouragement.
The resolution, introduced by Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington and co-sponsored by Senator Richard Durbin (D-Illinois), recognizes Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) as a major public health concern. AD/HD is the formal name for what is well known as Attention Deficit Disorder or ADD.
"There continues to be a dearth of information about AD/HD, and often times what information there is may
be inaccurate or misleading. My hope in identifying a National Awareness Day for AD/HD is to encourage an honest discussion about AD/HD, its impact on children and adults in schools, in the workplace, and in relationships, and encourage sufferers to seek relief," stated Cantwell.
The Senate resolution "expresses the sense of the Senate that the Federal Government has a responsibility to endeavor to raise public awareness about AD/HD and continue to consider ways to improve access to, and the quality of, mental health services dedicated to the purpose of improving the quality of life for children and adults with AD/HD."
ADDA plans to co-ordinate numerous activities nationwide in conjunction with ADD Awareness Day. Events are currently being organized to provide free public screenings, to spread the message about AD/HD's impact as well as treatment options and to help counter the stigma and embarrassment that people with Attention Deficit Disorder often feel.
"AD/HD is a real disorder that can have potentially devastating effects for individuals and their families when left undiagnosed and untreated" said ADDA CEO Michele Novotni, Ph.D. "The good news is that with
proper treatment, people with AD/HD can go on to lead successful, fulfilling lives." National ADD Awareness Day will go a long way toward getting information about the disorder out to people who need it so they can overcome the negative effects.
ADDA President David Giwerc added, "ADDA will be working with several other healthcare education
organizations, such as the National Mental Health Association and the American Psychiatric Association, to
coordinate National ADD Awareness Day activities."
AD/HD is a disorder of the brain that affects an estimated 3-to-7 percent of school-age children and an
estimated 4 percent of adults across racial, ethnic and socioeconomic lines. People with AD/HD typically
exhibit inappropriate impulsivity, problems with inattention and - in some cases - hyperactivity. Until recently AD/HD was thought to occur only in childhood.
ADDA, the world's leading source of information and support for Adult AD/HD, provides information, resources and networking opportunities to help adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD)
lead better lives.
Supporting organizations included: National Mental Health Association; American Counseling Association;
American Psychiatric Association; Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder; and
Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health.
For more information about AD/HD or National Attention Deficit Disorder Awareness Day, contact Victoria Sandoe Burkhart at (484) 945-2101, or Evelyn Green at egreen@add.org.
POTTSTOWN , PA - The Attention Deficit Disorder Association today announces success in its effort to spearhead passage of a U.S. Senate resolution designating a "National Attention Deficit Disorder Awareness Day" on September 7, 2004 - a major step toward accomplishing ADDA's goal of spreading vital information and encouragement.
The resolution, introduced by Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington and co-sponsored by Senator Richard Durbin (D-Illinois), recognizes Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) as a major public health concern. AD/HD is the formal name for what is well known as Attention Deficit Disorder or ADD.
"There continues to be a dearth of information about AD/HD, and often times what information there is may
be inaccurate or misleading. My hope in identifying a National Awareness Day for AD/HD is to encourage an honest discussion about AD/HD, its impact on children and adults in schools, in the workplace, and in relationships, and encourage sufferers to seek relief," stated Cantwell.
The Senate resolution "expresses the sense of the Senate that the Federal Government has a responsibility to endeavor to raise public awareness about AD/HD and continue to consider ways to improve access to, and the quality of, mental health services dedicated to the purpose of improving the quality of life for children and adults with AD/HD."
ADDA plans to co-ordinate numerous activities nationwide in conjunction with ADD Awareness Day. Events are currently being organized to provide free public screenings, to spread the message about AD/HD's impact as well as treatment options and to help counter the stigma and embarrassment that people with Attention Deficit Disorder often feel.
"AD/HD is a real disorder that can have potentially devastating effects for individuals and their families when left undiagnosed and untreated" said ADDA CEO Michele Novotni, Ph.D. "The good news is that with
proper treatment, people with AD/HD can go on to lead successful, fulfilling lives." National ADD Awareness Day will go a long way toward getting information about the disorder out to people who need it so they can overcome the negative effects.
ADDA President David Giwerc added, "ADDA will be working with several other healthcare education
organizations, such as the National Mental Health Association and the American Psychiatric Association, to
coordinate National ADD Awareness Day activities."
AD/HD is a disorder of the brain that affects an estimated 3-to-7 percent of school-age children and an
estimated 4 percent of adults across racial, ethnic and socioeconomic lines. People with AD/HD typically
exhibit inappropriate impulsivity, problems with inattention and - in some cases - hyperactivity. Until recently AD/HD was thought to occur only in childhood.
ADDA, the world's leading source of information and support for Adult AD/HD, provides information, resources and networking opportunities to help adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD)
lead better lives.
Supporting organizations included: National Mental Health Association; American Counseling Association;
American Psychiatric Association; Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder; and
Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health.
For more information about AD/HD or National Attention Deficit Disorder Awareness Day, contact Victoria Sandoe Burkhart at (484) 945-2101, or Evelyn Green at egreen@add.org.