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6l PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER, 2019, AS ALPHA-1 ANTITRYPSIN DEFICIENCY (ALPHA-1) AWARENESS MONTH WHEREAS, Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency ("Alpha-1") is one of the most common and serious hereditary disorders in the world and can result in life-threatening lung disease in adults and liver disease in both children and adults; and WHEREAS, Alpha-1 has been identified in nearly all populations and ethnic groups, and it is estimated that about 1 in every 2,500 Americans have the disorder, including up to 6 percent of Caucasians in the U.S. who carry a single deficient gene that may be passed on to their children; and WHEREAS, Alpha-1 is widely under -diagnosed and misdiagnosed, with fewer than ten percent of those predicted to have it being correctly diagnosed, and requiring an average of five doctors and seven years from the time symptoms appear before proper diagnosis is made using a simple blood test; and WHEREAS, it is important to increase awareness of this serious hereditary disorder; and WHEREAS, during the month of November, a nationwide awareness campaign will take place throughout the country to educate the public as well as the medical community on Alpha-1 detection and treatment for those affected by this condition. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA, that the month of November, 2019, be designated as Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Awareness Month, and that the Board wishes to increase familiarity with the symptoms of Alpha-1 — particularly in those between the ages of 20 and 50 — and thereby reduce under -diagnosis and misdiagnosis of this condition. Adopted this 19th day of November, 2019. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA Bob Solari, Chairman Susan Adams, Vice Chairman Joseph E. Flescher Tim Zorc Peter O'Bryan 1