The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners had a busy Proclamation Day on September 3rd, taking time to officially acknowledge and raise awareness for issues ranging from rare genetic disorders to suicide prevention. In a move highlighting the county's commitment to addressing diverse community challenges, four proclamations were approved, each shining a light on important health and social concerns.
One of the proclamations dedicated September 17, 2025, as Kleefstra Syndrome Awareness Day. This rare genetic disorder affects chromosome 9 and is often likened to Down syndrome. Commissioner Vince Jones-Dixon and the County’s Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services Division championed the proclamation. Kiante Holmes, mother of a child with Kleefstra syndrome, played a key role in pushing for this recognition. She shared, "This is just the beginning of what we do to continue to advocate for support and services, not just for our son but for others," according to a Multnomah County news release.
September has also been proclaimed Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in the county, backed by the theme "Creating Hope Through Action." Tragic statistics from Multnomah County show 22 youth between July 2024 and June 2025 were lost to suicide, which stands as the third-leading cause of death among young people aged 10-24. The initiative honors both those lost to suicide and those working tirelessly to prevent it. Commissioner Meghan Moyer and Interim Behavioral Health Director Anthony Jordan co-sponsored this proclamation, which emphasizes community involvement in mental health and suicide prevention efforts.
The board continued to highlight mental health by designating September 2025 as Recovery Month in the county, under the theme "Recovery is for everyone. Every person. Every family. Every community." This affirms the belief that recovery from substance use disorders is possible and emphasizes the importance of community support. Chair Jessica Vega Pederson proudly noted the Behavioral Health Resource Center has seen over 100,000 visits since its opening, indicating a strong community response. Anthony Jordan, citing his own 34 years in recovery, said, "Let us come together to denounce the fallacy that addiction is a life sentence. Instead, we celebrate recovery, an incredible journey of empowerment, healing and transformation," as reported by Multnomah County.
Last among the proclamations was the acknowledgment of September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Nicole Ek, a program director for Candlelighters for Children with Cancer, shared a deeply personal perspective on the impact of pediatric cancer. She recounted her daughter Emme's journey through treatment and ongoing challenges. The proclamation, sponsored by Chair Pederson's office for the third consecutive year, underscores the disproportionate effects of cancer on children and revels in the advancements in treatment that have significantly reduced mortality rates.
