WHEREAS, an estimated 54 million Americans have osteoporosis or low bone mass, and studies suggest that approximately 1 in 2 women and up to one in four men age 50 and older will experience a bone fracture due to osteoporosis; and

WHEREAS, approximately 1.8 million Medicare beneficiaries suffered approximately 2.1 million osteoporotic fractures a year and osteoporosis-related bone fractures are responsible for more hospitalizations than heart attacks, strokes, or breast cancer; and

WHEREAS, the total annual cost for osteoporotic fractures among Medicare beneficiaries was $57 billion in 2018 and is projected to exceed $95 billion in 2040 if no reforms are implemented, as the population continues to age; and

WHEREAS, optimum bone health and prevention of osteoporosis can be achieved by a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercise, and a healthy lifestyle that avoids smoking or excessive alcohol intake; and

WHEREAS, osteoporosis is often called a silent disease because bone loss occurs without symptoms. For many individuals a broken bone is often the first sign of osteoporosis. Timely bone health screening, diagnosis, and treatment can help prevent fractures that may lead to hospitalization and nursing home stays; and

WHEREAS, cost effective post-fracture care models that improve care coordination have been shown to reduce the incidence of subsequent fractures; however, such care is not yet widely available or properly incentivized by Medicare; and

WHEREAS, it is crucial that we raise awareness about bone health and osteoporosis among the public, health professionals and policy makers; and

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