Gout Awareness 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:

Gout Awareness Day

WHEREAS, more than 9 million Americans suffer with gout, the most common form of inflammatory arthritis, caused by uric acid build-up in the joints; and

WHEREAS, gout is a chronic disease characterized by sudden and excruciating painful attacks; and

WHEREAS, gout impacts a patient’s workplace, community, and daily quality of life; and

WHEREAS, black Americans are two to three times more likely to develop gout than white Americans, and are less likely to be prescribed urate-lowering medications or receive ongoing, routine provider care; and

WHEREAS, Asian Americans and Asian Pacific Islanders are also at an increased risk of gout; and

WHEREAS, stigma, lack of awareness and misinformation may hinder treatment for gout; and

WHEREAS, heightening public awareness can reduce the unfair stigma people with gout experience, and empower patients to seek quality care and timely treatment; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize May 22, 2023, as GOUT AWARENESS DAY in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and I call this observance to the attention of our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations