ATLANTA (March 21, 2018) | Sen. Nan Orrock (D – Atlanta) recently introduced Senate Resolution 893 to recognize October 9, 2018, as pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANDAS) Awareness Day at the state Capitol.
“PANDAS is often a devastating disorder that can appear suddenly and effects the most vulnerable of individuals,” said Sen. Orrock. “While little is currently known about what causes PANDAS or what the best treatments may be, educational institutions and health care experts across the country are dedicated to researching this syndrome and the best possible ways to fight it. I am proud to sponsor this resolution to raise awareness for this important issue and I am thankful for all of those who work tirelessly to discover the best treatments available.”
“I am thankful for Sen. Orrock and others in the General Assembly for recognizing the importance of this issue and helping to spread awareness,” said Jessica Gowan (founder of the Southeastern PANS/PANDAS Association). “Our foundation, as well as others, will remain committed to finding the best treatments possible for these diseases to ensure a better quality of life for all.”
The symptoms of PANDAS often include severe separation anxiety, aggression, personality changes and deterioration in school performance that appears in otherwise healthy children. It is estimated that the disease effects approximately 20,000 children in Georgia. A similar resolution, HR 1020, was sponsored in the House by Rep. David Dreyer (D – Atlanta).
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For Immediate Release:
March 21, 2018
Andrew Allison, Broadcast Specialist
andrew.allison@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028