WHEREAS, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a disease of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by abdominal pain, cramping, and bloating, and altered bowel habits. The major forms of IBS are diarrhea predominant (IBS-D), constipation predominant (IBS-C), and mixed IBS (IBS-M). This disease impacts work productivity, mental health, and diminishes quality of life; and

WHEREAS, IBS is a chronic illness affecting approximately 45 million people in the United States, yet public awareness and medical understanding are severely lacking; and

WHEREAS, there is no known cure for IBS; and

WHEREAS, those who suffer from IBS seek more funding for research, treatments, and cures to end their suffering; and

WHEREAS, the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia can benefit from increased awareness of the debilitating effects of IBS for the good of public health and to better support those affected by this disease;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize April 2022, as IBS AWARENESS MONTH in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.