WHEREAS, more than 9 million Americans suffer with gout, the most common form of inflammatory arthritis, caused by uric acid build-up in the joints; and
WHEREAS, gout causes excruciating attacks and impacts a patient’s workplace, community, and daily quality of life; and
WHEREAS, Black Americans are two to three times more likely to develop gout than White Americans, yet Black Americans are less likely to be prescribed urate-lowering medications or receive ongoing routine provider care; and
WHEREAS, Asian Americans and Asian Pacific Islanders are also at an increased risk of gout; 39% of the Hmong population shows signs of gout prior to age 30; and
WHERAS, gout is a chronic disease characterized by sudden and excruciating attacks; lack of awareness and misinformation may hinder treatment; and
WHEREAS, heightening public awareness can reduce the unfair stigma people with gout experience and empower patients to seek quality care and timely treatment;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2022, as “GOUT AWARENESS DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.