WHEREAS, aphasia is a communication impairment caused by injury to the brain, typically as a result of a stroke, but can also occur with other neurological disorders such as a brain tumor, traumatic brain injury or progressive disease; and
WHEREAS, many people with aphasia also present with weakness or paralysis on the right side of the body, due to damage to the left hemisphere of the brain; and
WHEREAS, the effects of aphasia may include a loss or reduction in the ability to access language needed to speak, comprehend, or read and write, while intelligence remains intact; and
WHEREAS, it is estimated that more than 750,000 people suffer a stroke in the United States each year, with approximately one-third of these resulting in aphasia or other serious, long-term disability; and
WHEREAS, stroke is the second leading cause of death in the world, the fifth leading cause of death in the United States, and the third leading cause of death in North Carolina; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina encourages residents to increase their awareness of this disorder and to advocate resources and provide support for individuals and their families who are living with aphasia;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim June, 2021, as “APHASIA AWARENESS MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.