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

WHEREAS, more than 980,000 Virginians provide regular care or assistance to a family member or friend with complex medical or support needs, and caregivers in Virginia provide care that is valued at more than $14 billion; and

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

WHEREAS, the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services received a Lifespan Respite Care Integration and Sustainability Grant from the U.S. Administration for Community Living to provide respite vouchers to family caregivers, and since receiving the first grant in 2011, has assisted over 1,500 Virginia families; and

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

WHEREAS, the Virginia Caregiver Coalition has developed “Taking Care: A Resource Guide for Caregivers” to provide comprehensive, up-to-date information on caregiving considerations and available programs and services; 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 2023, as VIRGINIA FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.

Governor of Virginia

Proclamations