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 795,000 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 people to increase awareness, advocate resources, and provide support for those and their families in our communities living with aphasia due to stroke or other neurological disorders;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim June, 2022, as “APHASIA AWARENESS MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.