[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 132, 115th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9817 of October 31, 2018

National Family Caregivers Month, 2018

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

During National Family Caregivers Month, we pay tribute to the millions
of Americans across our Nation who selflessly care for family members
who are chronically ill, elderly, or who have a disability. We recognize
the challenges of caregiving and celebrate the joys of bringing support
and comfort to a loved one. We express our gratitude to them for the
work they do daily to ensure their loved ones are able to live in their
homes and communities.

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Family caregivers are the foundation of our country's long-term support
system. Every year, nearly 44 million caregivers assist loved ones with
a vast array of essential tasks, including eating, bathing, dressing,
managing finances, childcare, administering medications, and arranging
doctor visits and transportation. In performing these challenging duties
with patience and compassion, family caregivers embody selfless service
and sacrifice.
My Administration is strongly committed to ensuring that family
caregivers have the support they need. Earlier this year, I was pleased
to sign into law the RAISE Family Caregivers Act, which will help
support the millions of family caregivers across our Nation and the
individuals who rely on them. This bipartisan legislation directs the
Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and make available
strategies for recognizing and supporting family caregivers. It also
establishes an advisory council that will leverage expertise from across
my Administration and our Nation to address topics such as respite
services and options, workplace flexibility, and financial security. It
will also help people navigate the healthcare system and produce further
recommendations for supporting family caregivers. Similarly, the
Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Act, which I signed on
July 7, 2018, will help our Nation better address the needs of people
who provide full-time care for their grandchildren. Sadly, the number of
people caring for grandchildren is growing, as the opioid crisis
continues to ravage families across our country. I was also pleased to
sign into law the VA MISSION Act of 2018, which expands caregiver
assistance to eligible veterans who served our country before September
11, 2001.
As anchors for their loved ones, our Nation's family caregivers promote
a culture that values the dignity of life at all stages and the
importance of family. This month, we acknowledge the dedication and
compassion of all those who work to improve their family members' lives,
and we renew our commitment to supporting them in their labor of love.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, 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 2018 as
National Family Caregivers Month. I encourage all Americans to
acknowledge, and express our gratitude to, all who provide compassionate
care to enhance the lives of their loved ones in need.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
third.
DONALD J. TRUMP