WHEREAS, more than 40 million Americans—including over 1 million Virginians—and more than 1.1 billion people worldwide are affected by headache disorders, including migraine, cluster headache, spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, orofacial pain disorders, and other neurological headache diseases; and   

 

WHEREAS, headache diseases are among the leading causes of disability worldwide and disproportionately impact women, veterans, and historically marginalized communities, who often face higher rates of underdiagnosis and inadequate treatment; and  

 

WHEREAS, an estimated 4 million Americans live with chronic migraine, experiencing symptoms 15 or more days per month, yet access to specialized care remains limited due to a severe nationwide shortage of headache specialists, limited research, and insufficient public awareness, all creating significant barriers to appropriate treatment; and  

WHEREAS, migraine is a common neurological headache disorder affecting children and adolescents, impacting up to 10 percent of school-aged children and as many as 28 percent of adolescents, often disrupting academic performance, social development, and overall quality of life; and 

WHEREAS, headache disorders extend beyond head pain and may impair vision, cognitive function, balance, and daily activities, with attacks lasting hours or days; and individuals living with headache disorders face an increased risk of depression and suicidal ideation, underscoring the need for comprehensive care and mental health support; and 

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia remains committed to ensuring that all individuals living with headache diseases have equitable, timely, and affordable access to effective treatment and care to improve their quality of life;  

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby proclaim June 2026 as MIGRAINE AND HEADACHE AWARENESS MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.