WHEREAS, back and neck pain is the #1 reason for job-related disability in the United States, costing over $250 billion in lost productivity to the national economy; and, 

WHEREAS, the back and neck is the #1 cause of pain and results in the most common non-cancer related opioid prescriptions in the United States; and, 

WHEREAS, the National Spine Health Foundation, located in Reston, Virginia, gives patients the tools they need to make informed decisions about their spine health through internationally acclaimed research and award-winning patient education and advocacy; and, 

WHEREAS, the National Spine Health Foundation is the only patient-centered non-profit in the nation whose mission is to give hope to those suffering from debilitating spinal conditions to take back their lives through education from the nation’s leading spinal experts; and, 

WHEREAS, two thousand twenty-two marks the 20th year of the National Spine Health Foundation and represents two decades that the Foundation has championed those with neck and back pain who have overcome their conditions, has advocated for broader awareness of spinal conditions that impact millions of Americans each year, and has conducted clinical trials and industry-leading research; and, 

WHEREAS, October is National Spine Health Awareness Month which is observed as a public reminder of the importance of spinal health; and,  

WHEREAS, by recognizing Spine Health Awareness Month in Virginia it is a time to explore ways to promote spine health and encourage Virginians to become educated on prevention and treatment of their spine issues; and, 

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia joins with national partners, state and local health professionals and community organizations concerned with spine care who focus their attention on spinal pain and disability at home, in the workplace, in schools, and in our communities; 

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