WHEREAS, more than 358,000 residents in our state are tending to the needs or concerns of a person with short- or long-term limitations due to injury or disability and are therefore caregivers; and
WHEREAS, the number of older adults who will need assistance with daily activities is growing substantially each year, including an expected 50 percent increase in those over the age of 65 and 114 percent over the age of 85 in the next two decades; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina’s caregivers remain diverse in their characteristics and circumstances, they share a common goal of keeping their loved one in their community of choice, and benefit from the assurances that the business, faith, medical, and human service communities can assist with information and services when needed; and
WHEREAS, there are numerous individuals, communities, and public and private organizations working to increase public awareness of the unique needs of children in foster care placed with kinship care providers, and of the enduring and valuable contributions made by kinship families; and
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services, the Area Agencies on Aging, and many other local agencies are committed to increasing the awareness of caregivers’ needs and continue to work toward meeting these needs; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina encourages people to acknowledge and support family, friends, and neighbors who help those who are aging or have disabilities; support of family caregivers is the right thing to do and an essential investment in a better future for North Carolina’s older adults and individuals with disabilities;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim November, 2023, as “FAMILY CAREGIVER MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.