Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders 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, Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of disorders that affect the body’s connective tissues including the skin, joints, blood vessels, gut, and many other organs and tissues; and

WHEREAS, EDS is a chronic, life-long condition that affects more than one in 5000 people of all ages, races, and genders; and

WHEREAS, hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) is diagnosed when the musculoskeletal complications of joint hypermobility and joint instability (ease of injury, joint pain, and dislocations, for example) arise in a person who does not have the defining features of an underlying syndrome such as EDS or other heritable disorders of the connective tissue; and

WHEREAS, in addition, several related disorders are observed in some people with EDS and with HSD adding complexity to the presentation of the condition and its management; and

WHEREAS, a network of EDS and HSD support groups helps connect those managing life with these conditions as well as better educates the health care community and the public; and

WHEREAS, early and accurate diagnosis can provide the opportunity to create life-saving medical plans and improve quality of life; and

WHEREAS, there is currently no treatment or known cure for the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and hypermobility spectrum disorders; and

WHEREAS, further medical research and awareness can bring hope for treatment and a cure;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize May 2023, as EHLERS-DANLOS SYNDROMES AND HYPERMOBILITY SPECTRUM DISORDERS AWARENESS MONTH in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations