BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA

A PROCLAMATION

LONG- TERM CARE RESIDENTS' RIGHTS MONTH

WHEREAS: WHEREAS: WHEREAS : WHEREAS : WHEREAS : THEREFORE:

In the State of Georgia, more than 70,000 residents reside in long-term care facilities , including 369 nursing facilities and over2 ,516 board and care, personal care homes , and assisted living communities ; and
It is important to recognize the federal and state law guarantees of residents' rights in order to promote and maintain resident dignity and autonomy. All residents should be info rmed of their rights so they feel empowered to live with pride and self-determination; and
Georgia reaffirms the rights of each long-term care resident to participate in decisions about care, exercise the right to vote , and to be active in the political process ; and
Organizations and individuals like the long-term care ombudsmen protect the health , safety, welfare , and rights of long-term care facility residents, acting as the voice of those who often cannot speak for t hemselves and collaborating with other state and law enforcement agencies to intervene and prevent resident abuse ; and
Individuals and groups across the country will be celebrating Residents' Rights month with the theme "My Vote Matters" to emphasize the importance of affirming these rights through facility practices, public policy, and resident-centered decision making; now
I, NATHAN DEAL, Governor of the State of Georgia, do hereby proclaim October 2016 , as LONG-TERM CARE RESIDENTS' RIGHTS MONTH in Georgia.
In witness thereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the Executive Department to be affixed this 13th day of September in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen .

GOVERNOR
ATTEST
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CHIEF OF STAFF