SENATOR MICHAEL R. KNAPIK
BOSTON – Senator Michael R. Knapik (R-Westfield) announced today that the State House is participating in “Light it up Blue” in an effort to raise awareness for Autism. Senator Knapik organized with the Bureau of State Office Buildings to adjust the lights on the front facade of the State House at the request of Holyoke City Treasurer Jon Lumbra.
The event, a component of Autism Speaks, is a unique global initiative to help raise awareness about the growing public health concern that is autism. The State House joins several iconic landmarks around the world in showing their support, including the Empire State Building, the Sydney Opera House, Niagara Falls, and Rockefeller Center.
The Massachusetts Chapter of Autism Speaks is inviting parents, advocates, and others to join them in front of the State House on Tuesday, April 2nd, to celebrate World Autism Day by watching the State House “light it up blue”. The group plans to use the opportunity to highlight the Massachusetts Autism Commission’s report released this past week which estimated 75,000 people are living with an autism diagnosis in the Commonwealth.
“Autism is a growing concern. Anything we can do to raise awareness that may lead to a better understanding of this developmental disorder is certainly a positive thing,” said Knapik. “I am thrilled the State House is participating in the 4th annual “Light it Up Blue” event. Thank you to Jon Lumbra for bringing this to my attention, Bureau of State Buildings for accommodating the request, and the folks from Autism Speaks for organizing what is sure to be a great event,” Knapik continued.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 1 in 88 kids has been diagnosed with autism and even more startling, and one in 54 boys in the nation have autism. Although many causes have been proposed, but no definite reason has been proven.
The lights will be tinted blue on Monday, April 1st and will remain throughout the week.
