WHEREAS, quality, affordable, and accessible patient-centered health care, provided by skilled practitioners, contributes to the well-being and quality of life for all residents of North Carolina; and
WHEREAS, physician assistants (PAs) are often the first point of contact for many patients, and PAs are academically and clinically prepared to provide health care services, including diagnosis and treatment of disease, assist in surgery and prescribe medications in collaboration with physicians and other health care providers; and
WHEREAS, PAs are a valuable asset to the medical community and work side-by-side with physicians to enhance the delivery of high-quality health care for patients, often in medically underserved and rural areas; and
WHEREAS, PAs have demonstrated sustained growth in North Carolina, more than doubling their numbers in the state over the past decade and surpassing more than 10,000 licensed PAs by the North Carolina Medical Board in April 2023; and
WHEREAS, PAs have earned the respect of the general public for their dedication and contributions to people’s lives; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina recognizes the dedication of PAs and the contributions they make as part of a health care team to ensure delivery of more efficient and effective health care services;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim October 6 – 12, 2023, as “NATIONAL PA WEEK” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.