Monmouth County Receives Partnership Award


FREEHOLD - The national Dystonia Medical Research Foundation has awarded a Community Partnership Award to the Monmouth County Division on Aging, Disabilities and Veterans' Interment for its active role in spreading awareness and educating the public about dystonia, a relatively unknown, but fairly common neurological condition.

The award was recently presented at the "Dogs for Dystonia …a dog walk and so much more" event held at Monmouth Battlefield State Park. John Wanat, executive director of aging, disabilities and veterans' interment, and Janet Corbally, director of Lasting Lifestyles, accepted the award from Carol Levenberg, director of development at the Chicago based foundation.

The county's division on aging, disabilities and veterans' interment has regularly included information about dystonia in its monthly newsletter, Spanish language publication and Lasting Lifestyles campaign that includes a cable TV program, brochure and supporting Web site.

According to the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation Web site, dystonia is a movement disorder that causes muscles to contract and spasm involuntarily, often resulting in severe pain and contortion. There are approximately 13 forms of dystonia, and approximately 50 diseases and conditions include dystonia as a major symptom. Experts estimate that approximately 300,000 people in North America are affected; that's a larger portion of the population than those who suffer from better known conditions such as Muscular Dystrophy or ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease).

"This is a very special honor for Monmouth County," said Freeholder Robert D. Clifton, liaison to the department. "Anyone who has symptoms of dystonia or a relative, friend or loved one with dystonia understands the implications of living with the disorder on a daily basis. The county provides resources and support for those afflicted and their support network; it's nice to see our program recognized for its excellence and consistency."

Residents looking for information about other services offered by the division on aging, disabilities and veterans' interment should call 732-431-7450 or log onto www. visitmonmouth.com/aging. Information about dystonia can be found at www.dystonia foundation.org.

http://manchestertimes.micromediapub..._Page/054.html