WHEREAS, back and neck conditions are the leading cause of disability in the United States, the top reason people miss work, and the cause of the highest number of doctor’s visits after the common cold; and

WHEREAS, back and neck pain are the leading causes of pain and result in the most common non-cancer related opioid prescriptions in the United States; and

WHEREAS, the National Spine Health Foundation, located in Reston, Virginia, through innovative patient education, tireless patient advocacy, and award-winning research, gives patients the tools they need to make informed decisions about their spine health by providing internationally acclaimed research and nationally recognized patient education and advocacy; and

WHEREAS, the National Spine Health Foundation is the only patient-centered non-profit dedicated to helping patients overcome the spectrum of spinal conditions so they can return to work, focus more on their families, and improve their lives; and

WHEREAS, 2025 marks seven years of the National Spine Health Foundation’s renewed mission to serve as the voice of patients through spinehealth.org, building on a 20-year legacy of industry-leading research to champion those with neck and back pain; and

WHEREAS, October is National Spine Health Awareness Month and October 16^th marks World Spine Day, observed as a public reminder of the importance of spinal health; and

WHEREAS, by recognizing Spine Health Awareness Month in Virginia, it is an opportunity to promote spine health and encourage Virginians to become educated on the prevention and treatment of spine conditions;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize October 2025, as SPINE HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.