To: Board of Supervisors
From: Diane Burgis, District III Supervisor
Report Title: Resolution recognizing Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders Awareness Month.
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT Resolution recognizing Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders Awareness Month.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
BACKGROUND:
See Resolution.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
None.
The Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County, California
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IN THE MATTER OF RECOGNIZING EHLERS-DANLOS SYNDROMES AND HYPERMOBILITY SPECTRUM DISORDERS AWARENESS MONTH
WHEREAS, Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of 13 heritable connective tissue disorders that together affect 1 in 5,000 people. Each type of EDS has its own set of symptoms, but some features are seen across all types of EDS, including joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility, and tissue fragility; and
WHEREAS, Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) are connective tissue disorders that cause joint hypermobility, instability, injury, and pain. Other symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, GI problems, and autonomic dysfunction are also often seen as part of HSD; and
WHEREAS, there is no cure for any type of EDS or HSD. The conditions are managed by addressing a person’s symptoms. EDS and HSD can cause a variety of symptoms in many different areas of the body, so people with these conditions often require multiple providers in different specialties to manage their care; and
WHEREAS, access to professionals who are knowledgeable about EDS and HSD is limited in Contra Costa County. Lack of awareness about EDS and HSD in Contra Costa County and across the world stands in the way of the diagnosis, management, and research of these conditions; and
WHEREAS, awareness about EDS and HSD by both medical professionals and the public can help improve the lives of people living with EDS and HSD in Contra Costa County; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: that on this 19th of May, 2026 the County of Contra Costa hereby declares May 2026 as Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders Awareness Month.