October 2023: Liver Disease Awareness Month

WHEREAS, there are an estimated 100 million Americans affected by liver disease. Most people are unaware that the risk factors for liver disease include diabetes, heart disease and obesity; and,

WHEREAS, there are many kinds of liver diseases and conditions, the most common are hepatitis viruses, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), autoimmune diseases, genetic conditions, alcohol-related liver disease, cancer, and others. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) causes excess fat to build up in the liver. Research estimates that fatty liver disease is present in up to 75% of overweight people and in more than 90% of people with severe obesity. NAFLD has become the most common form of childhood liver disease in the U.S., more than doubling over the past 20 years; and,

WHEREAS, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a dangerously progressive form of NAFLD in which patients have inflammation of the liver and liver damage, in addition to excess fat. NASH is expected to become the leading cause of liver transplantation in the United States by 2025. Therefore, it is critical that attention be brought to this often-overlooked health crisis; and,

WHEREAS, the month of October is National Liver Awareness Month calling on everyone to participate in raising awareness of liver disease which affects approximately 100 million Americans;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 2023 Liver Disease Awareness Month in Michigan.