WHEREAS, Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) is the sudden and unexpected death of a child over one year of age that remains unexplained after thorough investigation; and

WHEREAS, each year, there are approximately 500 cases of SUDC in the United States – including more than 200 younger children between the ages of one and four who die without any clear cause or explanation; and

WHEREAS, families affected by SUDC experience profound grief and benefit from compassionate support, community awareness, and continued research; and

WHEREAS, The SUDC Foundation is dedicated to funding research, supporting affected families, and increasing public understanding of this tragic and rare occurrence; and

WHEREAS, Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood Awareness Month provides an opportunity to honor the memory of the young lives that ended too soon, support for the families and loved ones forever devastated by their loss, and increased public awareness of SUDC;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize March 2026, as SUDDEN UNEXPLAINED DEATH IN CHILDHOOD AWARENESS MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.