Cervical Health Awareness Month

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

WHEREAS, cervical cancer is a disease that strikes more than 13,000 American women each year with over 300 new cases diagnosed in Virginia in 2022; and

WHEREAS, cervical cancer most often affects women in the prime of their life; and

WHEREAS, regular cervical cancer screening tests are effective in detecting the disease early when it can be effectively treated; and

WHEREAS, cervical cancer disproportionately impacts vulnerable communities lacking access to health care and proven lifesaving tools; and

WHEREAS, cervical cancer vaccines are available that - together with screening tests - provide a formidable and effective means of preventing this disease; and

WHEREAS, increasing awareness between patients and healthcare providers alike regarding the best use of these prevention tools is a key component in safeguarding women's health; and

WHEREAS, it is important for all citizens to recognize that cervical cancer is preventable, and to encourage and support the women in our lives in taking charge of their health and availing themselves of the tests and vaccines that have proven so effective in preventing cervical cancer;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize January 2023 as CERVICAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations