Governor Lynch Kicks Off NH Chronic Disease Awarenss Week

Governor John Lynch officially declared May 25th -31st, 2008 Chronic Disease Awareness week in New Hampshire today at the Chronic Disease Awareness fair and ice cream social kickoff ceremony held at the Upham Walker House in Concord. Gov. Lynch, along with New Hampshire Senator Jack Barnes, Senator Maggie Hassan, and Representative Laurie Harding, joined together in asking New Hampshire citizens to help raise awareness for the nearly half a million state residents that contend with a chronic disease.

The celebration, hosted by the Council for Children and Adolescents with Chronic Health Conditions and the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, included six-year-old Ryan Brewitt, who is challenged with a rare chronic disease. Ryan first met Gov. Lynch last year when the Governor honored him at a State House ceremony after being nominated as the state’s Champion Child, an honor given to children across the country who face severe medical challenges. At that meeting last May, Governor Lynch gave Ryan the first-pitch baseball he threw at a Red Sox game. Ryan was excited to return the favor today and pitch Gov. Lynch the first ball to begin Chronic Disease Awareness Week in New Hampshire.

The Governors official proclamation recognized that chronic disease is a major driver of rising healthcare costs and the number one cause of death in America. “Chronic illness is a serious issue that affects thousands of New Hampshire citizens. That is why we must continue to focus our health care efforts on better disease prevention and better chronic disease management,” Gov. Lynch said. “By raising awareness for chronic illness we can focus on living longer and enjoying healthier lives.”

“One in six children in New Hampshire contends with a chronic health condition,” commented Denise Brewitt, Executive Director of the Council for Children and Adolescents with Chronic Health Conditions. “We are encouraged by the Governor’s proclamation and hope it will help improve the quality of care for those with chronic diseases. We are also hoping this week of awareness will help the state recognize the importance of education and chronic disease prevention in managing a serious health issue that affects so many people living here.”