Vitiligo Awareness Month

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

WHEREAS, vitiligo is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that causes loss of pigment from areas of the skin that results in irregular white spots or patches; and

WHEREAS, individuals with vitiligo may be more likely to develop other autoimmune disorders indicating a connection between vitiligo and reduced resistance to other diseases; and

WHEREAS, about 15 to 25 percent of people with vitiligo are affected by at least one other autoimmune disorder, particularly autoimmune thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, psoriasis, pernicious anemia, Addison disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis; and

WHEREAS, approximately 1% of the global population is affected by vitiligo, highlighting its universal prevalence and the need for enhanced awareness; and

WHEREAS, vitiligo affects three to five million Americans and can affect people of any age, gender, race, or ethnicity; and

WHEREAS, while vitiligo is not contagious and usually not physically painful, the psychological and social effects are well-documented and especially devastating to children; and

WHEREAS, many individuals with vitiligo experience stigmatization, discrimination, and bullying due to a lack of public understanding about the condition; and

WHEREAS, the precise causes of vitiligo remain largely unknown, requiring further research to better understand and treat this condition; and

WHEREAS, in 2022, the FDA approved the first-ever drug to treat vitiligo; and

WHEREAS, June 25th is recognized as World Vitiligo Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness and understanding about this condition; and

WHEREAS, during Vitiligo Awareness Month, citizens are encouraged to seek education and support, advocate, and spread awareness about vitiligo;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize June 2024, as VITILIGO AWARENESS MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations