Celiac Disease 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:

Celiac Disease Awareness Month

WHEREAS, celiac disease is one of the world's most prevalent genetic autoimmune diseases, affecting an estimated three million Americans, 70-80% of whom are undiagnosed; and

WHEREAS, celiac disease causes the body to attack its small intestine, which can lead to many other devastating health conditions, including malnutrition, osteoporosis, infertility, and certain cancers; and

WHEREAS, celiac disease results in extraordinary economic and productivity costs to both the public and private sectors from employee and student absenteeism, as well as repeated, inconclusive visits to healthcare providers; and

WHEREAS, on average, it takes 4 years to be correctly diagnosed with celiac disease; and

WHEREAS, there is no medication or cure for celiac disease-the only treatment is a lifelong, strict gluten-free diet; and

WHEREAS gluten-free food labeling and safe dining options are essential to ensuring accessibility for individuals with celiac disease; and

WHEREAS, advocacy, education, and research are vital to advancing treatment options and finding a cure;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize May 2025, as CELIAC DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all of our citizens.