Epilepsy 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, epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes recurring, unprovoked seizures; and

WHEREAS, seizures are sudden surges of abnormal and excessive electrical activity in the brain which can affect how you act or appear; and

WHEREAS, epilepsy is the 4th most common neurological disorder in the world; and

WHEREAS, 1 in 26 people will be diagnosed with epilepsy at some point in their lives; and

WHEREAS, in Virginia, there are approximately 85,000 individuals diagnosed with epilepsy and over 11,000 of them are children; and

WHEREAS, people with epilepsy have a three times higher risk of mortality due to Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), epilepticus, suicide, and drowning; and

WHEREAS, having epilepsy can affect your safety, relationships, driving and so much more; and

WHEREAS, despite challenges, people with epilepsy can live happy, healthy, and productive lives with proper medical care and treatment; and

WHEREAS, during Epilepsy Awareness Month, citizens are encouraged to learn more about this neurological disorder and support organizations that promote epilepsy research, prevention, treatment, and a cure;

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

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations