The Longmont City Council meeting on April 8, 2025, featured a significant proclamation designating April as Parkinson's Awareness Month. Mayor Joan Peck highlighted the impact of Parkinson's disease, which affects nearly one million people in the United States, with a new diagnosis occurring every nine minutes.

The proclamation emphasized the seriousness of Parkinson's disease, noting it as the fourteenth leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The economic burden of the disease is estimated at $52 billion annually. Despite ongoing research, the exact causes and progression of Parkinson's remain unclear, and there is currently no cure or effective treatment to slow its advancement.

Symptoms of Parkinson's can vary widely among individuals and may include tremors, movement difficulties, cognitive impairments, and mood disorders. The proclamation aims to raise awareness and support for those affected by the disease, as well as to recognize the efforts of researchers, caregivers, and medical professionals working to improve the quality of life for patients.

Following the proclamation, the mayor invited attendees to participate in a photo opportunity, underscoring the community's commitment to supporting those impacted by Parkinson's disease. This initiative reflects Longmont's dedication to health awareness and advocacy for neurological conditions.