Senator Witkos Raises Awareness About Rare Diseases

March 4, 2013
State Senator Kevin Witkos, left, speaks with Lynn Johnson, right, the Executive Director of the PANDAS Resource Network, at an event recognizing Rare Disease Awareness Day at the State Capitol on Thursday, February 28th.

State Senator Kevin Witkos, left, speaks with Lynn Johnson, right, the Executive Director of the PANDAS Resource Network, at an event recognizing Rare Disease Awareness Day at the State Capitol on Thursday, February 28th.

Hartford – State Senator Kevin Witkos (R-8) spoke at a ceremony to recognize Rare Disease Awareness Day at the State Capitol on Thursday, February 28th.

“Rare Disease Day is an important opportunity to bring attention to the rare disorders that affect thousands of Connecticut residents each year,” said Senator Witkos. “During this year’s session, I introduced legislation that would improve public awareness and education about the Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcus, also known as PANDAS.

Senator Witkos introduced legislation that would establish an outreach and education program for health care providers for the recognition of and treatment options for PANDAS infections.

“By expanding outreach and understanding of this disorder, we can help parents and health care providers develop treatments that can reverse this debilitating disorder and help children return to their happy and healthy lives,” continued Senator Witkos.

Senator Witkos was joined at the event by Lynn Johnson, the Executive Director of the PANDAS Resource Network, who described her daughter’s experience with PANDAS and applauded the steps that Connecticut was taking to improve public awareness of this disorder.

Last year, the State Senate unanimously supported the legislation, but it did not come up for a vote in the State House of Representatives before the end of session. This year’s proposed bill now awaits further action by the Public Health Committee.

For more information, please visit the National Organization for Rare Disorders website at www.rarediseases.org.

To learn more about PANDAS, please visit the PANDAS Resource Network website at www.PandasResourceNetwork.org.