WHEREAS, approximately 6.7 million people in the United States currently live with chronic wounds, and that number is expected to increase at more than two percent annually for the next decade; and
WHEREAS, the rising incidence is attributed to an aging population and increasing rates of diseases and conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and the late effects of radiation therapy; and
WHEREAS, untreated chronic wounds can lead to diminished quality of life and possible amputation of the affected limb; the chronic wound epidemic represents an estimated cost of more than $50 billion per year to the American health care system; and
WHEREAS, more than 34 million people in the United States have diabetes, and an estimated 15 percent of individuals affected by diabetes will develop a diabetic foot ulcer or other non-healing wound; and
WHEREAS, wound care physicians and health care providers strive to ensure the success of their patients through supportive and efficient practices; advanced wound care aims to prevent amputations and heal patients in a faster and more cost-effective manner; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina supports raising awareness and education about chronic wounds to support current and future chronic wound patients and their families in our communities; and
WHEREAS, the goal of Wound Care Awareness Week is to inform patients, their families, community physicians and the public about the importance of advanced wound care and its ability to save lives and limbs;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim June 7 – 11, 2021, as “WOUND CARE AWARENESS WEEK” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.