June 5-9, 2023: Wound Care Awareness Week

WHEREAS, it is estimated that nearly 7 million people currently live with chronic wounds and that number is expected to grow at more than two percent annually for the next decade; and,

WHEREAS, the rising incidence is fueled by an aging population and increasing rates of diseases and conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and late effects of radiation therapy; and,

WHEREAS, untreated chronic wounds can lead to diminished quality of life and possibly amputation of the affected limb; and,

WHEREAS, the chronic wound epidemic represents a cost of more than $50 billion to the healthcare system; and,

WHEREAS, more than 37.3 million people, or 11.3 percent of the population, have diabetes in the United States; this population is expected to nearly double by 2030; and,

WHEREAS, almost two million people with diabetes will develop a diabetic foot ulcer or other non-healing wound; advanced wound care aims to prevent amputations and heal patients in a faster and more cost-effective way; and, 

WHEREAS, wound care physicians and health care providers take pride in caring for their patients and seeing them succeed; and, 

WHEREAS, awareness and education about chronic wounds will benefit current and future chronic wound patients; and,

WHEREAS, the goal of Wound Care Awareness Week is to inform patients, their families, community physicians, and the general public about the importance of advanced wound care and its ability to save limbs and save lives;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim June 5 – 9, 2023, as Wound Care Awareness Week in Michigan.