In a heartfelt session at Portsmouth City Hall, Mayor Digger McCarran led the City Council in declaring the week of September 21 to 28, 2025, as Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) Awareness Week. This proclamation aims to shed light on the challenges faced by individuals living with FTD, a neurodegenerative disease that affects over 60,000 people in the United States, often striking those as young as 21. The mayor emphasized the profound impact of FTD on behavior, decision-making, and communication, highlighting the urgent need for community awareness and support for affected families and caregivers.

The council's discussions also turned to mental health, as they proclaimed September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Mayor McCarran underscored the importance of community connection and support in preventing suicide, noting that it is a complex issue that requires ongoing care and compassion. He encouraged residents to engage in conversations and share resources to foster a sense of belonging and resilience among those struggling with mental health challenges.

Both proclamations reflect Portsmouth's commitment to addressing critical health issues within the community. The mayor called upon residents to educate themselves about FTD and to support advocacy efforts aimed at improving understanding and funding for this often-misunderstood disease. As the meeting progressed, the council also moved to approve the minutes from a previous meeting, signaling a commitment to transparency and community involvement in local governance.

These initiatives not only aim to raise awareness but also to inspire action and solidarity among residents, reinforcing the idea that collective efforts can lead to meaningful change in the lives of those affected by these pressing health concerns.