Interstitial Cystitis 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, Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS) is a chronic bladder condition that usually consists of multiple symptoms including recurring pelvic pain, pressure, or discomfort in the bladder and pelvic region, and/or urinary frequency and urgency; and

WHEREAS, as many as 12 million Americans, between 3 and 8 million women and 1 and 4 million men, suffer from IC/BPS; and

WHEREAS, the root cause of IC/BPS remains unknown, and there is no cure; and

WHEREAS, appropriate diagnosis can take months or years for patients as there is no specific test to identify IC/BPS, and treatment options and levels of relief vary greatly from patient to patient; and

WHEREAS, IC/BPS involves chronic pain which can greatly impact a patient’s everyday activities, including their mental health and ability to work; and

WHEREAS, IC/BPS patients have historically faced a lack of dignity and understanding for their condition; and

WHEREAS, the Interstitial Cystitis Association is the only non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for IC/BPS awareness and research funding, while providing a community for patients to connect;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize September 2024, as INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS AWARENESS MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations