October 2026: Dysautonomia Awareness Month

WHEREAS, dysautonomia is a group of medical conditions that result in a malfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for “automatic” bodily functions such as respiration, heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, temperature control and more; and,

WHEREAS, dysautonomia impacts over 70 million people around the world, and includes conditions such as Diabetic Autonomic Neuropathy, Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension, and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome; and,

WHEREAS, dysautonomia impacts people of any age, gender, race or background, including many individuals living in Michigan; and,

WHEREAS, dysautonomia can be very disabling and this disability can result in social isolation, stress on the families of those impacted, and financial hardship; and,

WHEREAS, some forms of dysautonomia can result in death, causing tremendous pain and suffering for those impacted and their loved ones; and,

WHEREAS, increased awareness about dysautonomia will help patients get diagnosed and treated earlier, save lives, and foster support for individuals and families coping with dysautonomia in our community; and,

WHEREAS, we seek to recognize the contributions of medical professionals, patients and family members who are working to educate our citizenry about dysautonomia in Michigan; and,

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim the month of October as Dysautonomia Awareness Month in Michigan.