WHEREAS, autoimmune diseases are a family of over 100 incurable disorders arising from an abnormal immune response to any healthy body part; and

WHEREAS, the most prevalent autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Sjögren's syndrome, and celiac disease; and

WHEREAS, researchers have identified a genetic link among autoimmune diseases, leading to their clustering in individuals and families; and

WHEREAS, autoimmune diseases are under-recognized and pose a major healthcare challenge in the United States as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that up to 50 million Americans are affected, with 80 percent being women; and

WHEREAS, autoimmune diseases are among the top 10 leading causes of death in women under 65; and

WHEREAS, autoimmune diseases often affect children and young adults, resulting in a lifetime of disability; and

WHEREAS, early diagnosis and treatment are critical, yet diagnostic tests for most autoimmune diseases are not standardized, leading to delayed diagnosis, irreparable damage, and unnecessary suffering; and

WHEREAS, the Autoimmune Association found that it takes an average of 4.5 years for patients to receive a correct diagnosis; and

WHEREAS, there is a significant need for more collaboration in autoimmune research, focusing on the root causes rather than just symptoms; and

WHEREAS, the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies reported that the United States is behind other countries in research on immune system self-recognition, the cause of autoimmune diseases; and

WHEREAS, the National Coalition of Autoimmune Patient Groups consolidates voices to promote increased education, awareness, and research into all aspects of autoimmune diseases; and

WHEREAS, designating March as Autoimmune Awareness Month aims to improve education and advocate for research funding, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatments;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize March 2025, as AUTOIMMUNE AWARENESS MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all of our citizens.