[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 126, 112th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8900--NOV. 1, 2012

Proclamation 8900 of November 1, 2012

National Family Caregivers Month, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Our Nation's health care professionals provide essential medical
services to millions of Americans, yet they do not shoulder their
responsibilities alone. Family members, friends, and neighbors devote
countless hours to providing care to their relatives or loved ones.
During National Family Caregivers Month, we recognize and thank the
humble heroes who do so much to keep our families and communities
strong.
Across America, daughters and sons balance the work of caring for aging
parents with the demands of their careers and raising their own
children. Spouses and partners become caregivers to the ones they love
even as they navigate their own health challenges. Mothers and fathers
resume care for children returning home as wounded warriors. Friends and
relatives form networks to support loved ones with disabilities. All of
them give selflessly to bring comfort, social engagement, and stability
to those they love.
Family caregivers have an immeasurable impact on the lives of those they
assist, but their hours are long and their work is hard. Many put their
own lives on hold to lift up someone close to them. That is why my
Administration continues to support these committed individuals through
programs like the National Family Caregiver Support Program and the
Lifespan Respite Care Program, and through new initiatives like the
National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. These efforts help
caregivers access services, provide quality support, and reinforce their
support through respite care options. Additionally, my Administration
has pursued workplace flexibility initiatives that help caregivers
balance their responsibilities to their employers with their
responsibilities to their loved ones. I was also proud to sign the
Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act, which has helped
our most seriously injured post-9/11 veterans and their family
caregivers through financial support; access to health insurance, mental
health services, and counseling; and comprehensive caregiver training
and respite care.
National Family Caregivers Month is a time to reflect on the compassion
and dedication that family caregivers embody every day. As we offer our
appreciation and admiration for their difficult work, let us also extend
our own offers of support to them and their loved ones.
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 2012 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.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of
November, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
seventh.
BARACK OBAMA