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, as of November 2020, the United States Food and Drug Administration has identified 227 essential medications; 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, Alliance for Building Better Medicine, comprised of public and private stakeholders like Civica, Phlow Corporation, and AMPAC Fine Chemicals in the Richmond-Petersburg region, allow 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 began on September 8, 2021 to spread awareness, encourage action, and educate the public about the ongoing crisis of essential medicine shortages in the United States;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize September 8, 2022 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