Proclaiming February 20th of 2026, to Be "National Caregivers Day" in the State of Rhode Island

WHEREAS, National Caregivers Day was created in 2015, and first celebrated in 2016, by the Providers Association for Home Health & Hospice Agencies (PAHHHA) as a way to recognize and thank the millions of caregivers who go the extra mile every day to provide critically important and nurturing care to millions of Americans; and

WHEREAS, According to a 2025 report from the National Alliance for Caregiving and the American Association of Retired Persons, approximately 63 million family caregivers in the United States cared for an adult or child without pay. Most caregivers take care of one adult, but many care for two adults, and some for three or more adults. Around 60 percent of family caregivers are female; and

WHEREAS, The Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index also reports that caregivers spend about 13 days on household/errands and tasks, 6 days on personal care,; and hours on administrative duties and research, demonstrating an immense time commitment which often impacts their own health and work opportunities; and

WHEREAS, Each year, National Caregivers Day offers an opportunity to thank and show appreciation to our local caregivers, including professional caregivers such as home health aides, nurses, and therapists, as well as informal family caregivers, who provide critically needed and loving care to so many people within our communities. Our communities are truly blessed to have these hard-working and dedicated professionals serving our neighborhoods and taking care of our loved ones and those in need of daily care and assistance; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby proclaims February th of 2026, to be "National Caregivers Day" in the State of Rhode Island; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Providers Association for Home Health & Hospice Agencies (PAHHHA).