Essential Medicine Shortage Awareness Day

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, essential medicines are defined as those that satisfy the priority health care needs of the American population to sustain life and conquer disease; and

WHEREAS, essential medicines are most needed for patients in acute care medical facilities specializing in short-term treatment for severe injuries or illnesses and urgent medical conditions; and

WHEREAS, essential medicines are medically necessary to have available in adequate supply, are effective for the widest populations, and have the greatest potential impact on the health of all Virginians; and

WHEREAS, the United States Food and Drug Administration has identified hundreds of essential medications with shortages; and

WHEREAS, when Virginians and Americans go to the hospital, visit a doctor, or require an ambulance, they should have access to the medicine that is vital to treating their health condition; and

WHEREAS, drug shortages are a reality in the United States and can occur for many reasons, including cost, manufacturing output or quality issues, and supply chain disruptions; and

WHEREAS, the Alliance for Building Better Medicine, comprised of public and private stakeholders, allows Virginia to play an integral role in combatting the pharmaceutical supply challenges that impede access to essential medicines in the United States; and

WHEREAS, National Essential Medicine Shortage Awareness Day spreads awareness, encourages action, and educates the public about the ongoing crisis of essential medicine shortages in the United States;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize September 8, 2023, as ESSENTIAL MEDICINE SHORTAGE AWARENESS DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA and call this observance to the attention of our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations