WHEREAS, there are an estimated 100 million Americans affected by liver disease, and most people are unaware that the risk factors for liver disease include diabetes, heart disease and obesity; and

WHEREAS, there are over 100 types of liver diseases and conditions, the most common are hepatitis viruses, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), also called metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease or MASLD, autoimmune and rare diseases, genetic conditions, alcohol-associated liver disease, liver cancer, and pediatric liver diseases; and

WHEREAS, liver disease can be caused by genetics, lifestyle, or environmental toxins; and

WHEREAS, genetic factors can increase your risk of certain liver diseases like Alpha-1, Wilson disease, Gilbert syndrome, autoimmune hepatitis, and more; and

WHEREAS, diet and lifestyle play a role in liver health; and, exposure to hazardous chemicals, pollution, and pesticides can increase the risk of liver disease over time; and

WHEREAS, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) causes excess fat to build up in the liver, and research estimates that fatty liver disease is present in up to 75% of overweight people and in more than 90% of people with severe obesity; and

WHEREAS, NAFLD has become the most common form of childhood liver disease in the U.S., more than doubling over the past 20 years; and

WHEREAS, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), also called metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis or MASH, is a dangerously progressive form of NAFLD in which patients have inflammation of the liver and liver damage, in addition to excess fat; and

WHEREAS, NASH is a leading cause of liver transplantation in the United States; therefore, it is critical that attention be brought to this often-overlooked health crisis; and

WHEREAS, October is National Liver Disease Awareness Month, and citizens are encouraged to help in the effort to raise awareness about liver disease; 

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