WHEREAS, many Alaskans suffer from chronic illness or pain and are disabled or otherwise in need of ongoing care; and

WHEREAS, family caregivers are those who volunteer their time and effort to serve loved ones who cannot care for themselves, and by courageously stepping forward to provide generous and constant support, these caregivers reflect family and community life at its best; and

WHEREAS, caregivers often work long hours and face overwhelming obstacles to meet and anticipate the needs of their loved ones. Their duties may include running errands, attending medical appointments, providing transportation, preparing meals, assisting with hygienic needs, and providing companionship in addition to offering emotional and financial support. These tasks are vitally important to the quality of life of those they care for and often require significant time and effort, especially when balancing the pressures and responsibilities of their own lives; and

WHEREAS, an estimated 94,000 family and other informal caregivers in Alaska provide almost 88 million hours of uncompensated care annually with an estimated value of more than $1.6 billion; and

WHEREAS, caregiving often exerts a heavy emotional, physical, and financial toll that can put all family caregivers at risk for depression, poor health, and financial hardship, and taking time to care for themselves through proper nutrition, exercise, and rest is important to prevent burnout; and

WHEREAS, Family Caregivers Month is an opportunity to celebrate the efforts of family caregivers and their positive impact on the well-being of loved ones, and to continue working toward a future where all caregivers know the same support and understanding they offer to others.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim November 2024 as:

Family Caregivers Month

in Alaska and encourage all Alaskans to recognize the importance of family caregivers and the support they provide to vulnerable loved ones, and to further support them as they take time to rest, recharge, and care for themselves.

Dated: November 1, 2024