NEWS FROM ONFCI For Immediate Release
Ohio Network for the Chemically Injured
P.O. Box 29290 - Parma, OH 44130
Find out what's happening in Solonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Contact: Toni Temple 440- 845-1888 Cell 216-312-8767
Find out what's happening in Solonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Cuyahoga County Council Passes Landmark Resolution
Urging Local Support for MCS Awareness
Cleveland, OH – A resolution proclaiming the month of May of each year as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) Awareness Month in Cuyahoga County was passed unanimously by the Cuyahoga County Council on February 28, 2012. Resolution No. R2012-0011 was sponsored by Council Members Dale Miller, Sunny M. Simon, Yvonne Conwell, Julian Rogers, and Council President C. Ellen Connally, to educate the public and reduce harmful environmental exposures through local government initiatives.
MCS is a chronic debilitating condition induced by exposure to toxic environmental chemicals encountered in daily life. These include perfumes, deodorants, fabric softeners, deodorizers, paints, coatings on fences and furniture, carpeting, cleaning and remodeling chemicals, vehicle exhausts, and chemicals used in office equipment. MCS can also be caused by massive exposures such as those encountered by the Gulf War Veterans, Valdeez Oil Spill Workers, 9/11 first responders, and Katrina Hurricane victims.
Clerk of Council will transmit copies of the Resolution to all Mayors and Council Presidents of municipalities and all Public School Superintendents and School Board Presidents located in Cuyahoga County to encourage passage of similar legislation so that action can be taken to reduce chemical triggers and improve our environment for persons with MCS and others who could develop it.
Toni Temple, President of the Ohio Network for the Chemically Injured (ONFCI), a not-for-profit support and advocacy organization since 2000, has received thousands of hot-line calls from those seeking help for the deleterious effects caused by their environmental exposures in homes, schools, hospitals, the military, and the workplace. “It is unfortunate,” Temple stated, “that those who have dedicated themselves to their jobs, their families, and their country, typically suffer alone and without any community support or resources after they are injured.” She hopes this new legislation will go a long way toward providing the help that is needed.S
According to L. Christine Oliver, M.D., M.P.H., M.S., Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Co-Director of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital: “…physicians do not get this disease; they don’t understand this disease…Medical students are not taught about multiple chemical sensitivity.” As a result, most physicians are not able to diagnose MCS.
Join those already assisting us in our educational efforts. Other ongoing supporters include Cuyahoga County Public Library, Cleveland Public Library, and many local mayors including the Mayor of Cleveland, Berea, Brook Park, Parma, Parma Heights, and Strongsville.
For further information or to volunteer, visit our website at www.ohionetwork.org or contact ONFCI at (440) 845-1888.
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