Proclamations

Back to Proclamations

Proclamation Header Image

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,

WHEREAS, 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, through action 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, 2022 as EPILEPSY HEROES DAY in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of our citizens.