Epilepsy Heroes Day

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

Epilepsy Heroes Day

WHEREAS, epilepsy awareness days are recognized nationwide and globally to change the conversation around epilepsy and seizures to improve and save the lives of those living with epilepsy; and

WHEREAS, epilepsy is a brain disorder characterized by recurrent and unprovoked seizures that can affect anyone, at any age, at any time; and

WHEREAS, epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions, and approximately 3.4 million people in the U.S. live with epilepsy and seizures; and

WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that there are 84,800 individuals in Virginia that live with epilepsy and seizures, and 11,000 of those affected are children; and

WHEREAS, 470,000 children live with epilepsy in the U.S., and a 2015 CDC study found that 36% of students aged 6 to 17 years with epilepsy were more likely to have missed 11 or more days of school in the past year on average; and

WHEREAS, one in ten persons will have at least one seizure during his or her lifetime, and one in 26 persons will be diagnosed with epilepsy during his or her lifetime; and

WHEREAS, the public is often unable to recognize common seizure types or how to respond with appropriate first aid; and

WHEREAS, by joining together on Epilepsy Heroes Day, the Commonwealth of Virginia can increase public knowledge about epilepsy and seizure first aid and change the way people think about epilepsy and seizures;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize March 26, 2023, as EPILEPSY HEROES DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations