Virginia Family Caregivers Month (2009)

Virginia Family Caregivers Month

WHEREAS,  during this season of thanksgiving, as we pause to reflect on the many blessings that have been bestowed on us as individuals and as a State, we are especially grateful for the love of our families and friends; one of the most profound ways in which that love is expressed is through the generous support provided by family caregivers to loved ones who are chronically ill, elderly or disabled; caregivers reflect family and community life at its best; they are among Virginia's most important natural resources; and

WHEREAS,  National Family Caregivers Month is observed every November and seeks to draw attention to the many challenges facing family caregivers and advocate for stronger public policy to address family care-giving issues; and

WHEREAS,  the need for family caregivers is growing and we are living in a time when medicine and technology have helped us live longer, and as a result, persons with disabilities are living longer and people over 85 are the fastest growing segment of our population; family caregivers can be found in every city and town in America; it is likely that we all know at least one family caregiver; and

WHEREAS,  it is estimated that family caregivers provide more than $350 billion worth of free healthcare services each year nationally and $9.9 billion in Virginia, forming a vital safety net for our country’s formal healthcare system; and

WHEREAS,  family caregivers deserve our lasting gratitude and respect, and this month, as we honor the many contributions that family caregivers make to the quality of our national life, let us resolve to work through our community, religious, social, business and other organizations to offer programs and services that will provide caregivers the support and encouragement they need to carry out their vital responsibilities; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Timothy M. Kaine, do hereby recognize November 2009 as VIRGINIA FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of our citizens.