[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 213 (Thursday, November 3, 2016)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 76839-76840]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-26804]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 81 , No. 213 / Thursday, November 3, 2016 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 76839]]


                Proclamation 9536 of October 31, 2016

                
National Family Caregivers Month, 2016

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Our Nation was founded on the fundamental ideal that we 
                all do better when we look out for one another, and 
                every day, millions of Americans from every walk of 
                life balance their own needs with those of their loved 
                ones as caregivers. During National Family Caregivers 
                Month, we reaffirm our support for those who give of 
                themselves to be there for their family, friends, and 
                neighbors in challenging times, and we pledge to carry 
                forward the progress we have made in our health care 
                system and workplaces to give caregivers the resources 
                and flexibility they need.

                Each of us may find ourselves in need of or providing 
                care at some point in our lives. That is why it is 
                imperative that we maintain and expand the Affordable 
                Care Act (ACA). At the time Medicare was created, only 
                a little more than half of all seniors had some form of 
                health insurance. Today, the ACA has given older 
                Americans better care and more access to discounted 
                prescriptions and certain preventive services at no 
                cost. The ACA has also expanded options for home- and 
                community-based services, so that, with the help of 
                devoted, loving caregivers, more Americans are now able 
                to live independently and with dignity. And because 
                looking after an aging family member or a friend with a 
                disability can be challenging, States and local 
                agencies connect individuals with caregiver support 
                groups and respite care. The women and men who put 
                their loved ones before themselves show incredible 
                generosity every day, and we must continue to support 
                them in every task they selflessly carry out.

                Many devoted caregivers across our country also attend 
                to members of our Armed Forces when they return home, 
                and my Administration is committed to improving the 
                care and support our veterans and their families 
                receive. For over 5 years, First Lady Michelle Obama 
                and Dr. Jill Biden's Joining Forces initiative has 
                worked to ensure those who look after our service 
                members who come home with the wounds of war--whether 
                they are visible or not--have the community and 
                Government support they need to help their siblings and 
                spouses, parents and children, neighbors and friends 
                through one of the greatest battles they may face: the 
                fight to recover and heal.

                This month, and every month, let us lift up all those 
                who work to tirelessly advance the health and wellness 
                of those they love. Let us encourage those who choose 
                to be caregivers and look toward a future where our 
                politics and our policies reflect the selflessness and 
                open-hearted empathy they show their loved ones every 
                day.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim November 2016 as 
                National Family Caregivers Month. I encourage all 
                Americans to pay tribute to those who provide for the 
                health and well-being of their family members, friends, 
                and neighbors.

[[Page 76840]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord 
                two thousand sixteen, and of the Independence of the 
                United States of America the two hundred and forty-
                first.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2016-26804
Filed 11-2-16; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F7-P