WHEREAS, Brain Awareness Week was first established in 1996 as a global campaign to foster public enthusiasm and support for brain science, encouraging greater awareness of the progress and benefits of neuroscience research; and 

WHEREAS, ongoing research continues to improve understanding of neurological conditions, mental health, cognitive development, and brain function across a lifespan, contributing to advances in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment; and 

WHEREAS, brain health is essential to overall well-being, affecting learning, memory, emotional regulation, and quality of life for individuals of all ages; and 

WHEREAS, increasing public awareness of brain health can promote healthier lifestyles, encourage early detection of neurological conditions, and support continued investment in scientific research and education; and 

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia recognizes the importance of advancing knowledge of the brain and supporting efforts to improve brain health for all citizens;  

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize the week of March 16-21 2026 as BRAIN AWARENESS WEEK in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.