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By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

Virginia Family Caregivers Month

WHEREAS, family caregivers are essential to the health and well-being of Virginians at every age and regardless of ability; and,

WHEREAS, more than one in five Virginians provide regular care or assistance to a family member or friend with complex medical or support needs, and caregivers in Virginia provide about 24 hours of care each week; and,

WHEREAS, on average, caregivers spend 26% of their income on caregiving activities, with over $7,200 in out of pocket expenses; and,

WHEREAS, positive impacts of family caregiving include closer ties to loved ones, increased access to services in community settings, and the peace of mind knowing quality care is being provided; and,

WHEREAS, in 2021, the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services received its fourth Lifespan Respite Grant from the U.S. Administration for Community Living to provide respite vouchers to caregivers of individuals impacted by COVID -19; and,

WHEREAS, the Lifespan Respite Grants have assisted over 1,100 Virginia families; and,

WHEREAS, the Virginia Caregiver Coalition, founded in 2004, has nearly 200 volunteer members across the Commonwealth that work to improve the experience of caregiving through education, advocacy, and access to resources; and,

WHEREAS, during the month of November, it is important to recognize the many contributions of family caregivers and encourage health providers, employers, and all Virginia communities to acknowledge and support their efforts;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize November 2022 as VIRGINIA FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of our citizens.