By Deasia Lamar, Communications Intern  

Patient advocacy organizations work tirelessly to educate, promote, advocate, and raise awareness and funding for their causes. Awareness months give us the opportunity to rally around a common objective and show these organizations how much we appreciate their work. Here’s how you can help advance these groups’ missions and spread awareness. 

#29DaysOfHeart 

In observance of both Heart Month and Black History Month, WomenHeart is excited once again to launch their #29DaysOfHeart campaign. #29DaysofHeart is WomenHeart’s annual social media campaign to raise awareness about heart disease in Black women. The aim of #29DaysOfHeart is to empower Black women – both living with and at risk of heart disease – to take charge of their own heart health. This campaign uplifts the voices of Black women, as well as shines a spotlight on the disproportionate impact of heart disease among African American women. It also brings attention to the need to raise awareness of heart disease risk factors and heart healthy living. This year, WomenHeart will continue to incorporate messages around comorbidities, such as diabetes, and add new messages related to COVID-19 and maternal health. 

 Ways to get involved: 

• Check out WomenHeart Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for statistics on African American issues and heart disease issues. 
• Keep a look out for the #29DaysOfHeart HeartTalks webinar happening soon.  
• Share these #29DaysOfHeart social media graphics and messages to spread awareness.  
• Get involved in WomenHeart advocacy activities.  

American Heart Month 

Each year, the American Heart Association celebrates February as American Heart Month. During this time, the nation turns its attention to keeping families and communities free from heart disease, the No. 1 killer of Americans. Cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke combined) kills about 2,300 a day. American Heart Month is vital to bring awareness to the seriousness of heart disease, ; however, the American Heart Association urges people to take care of their hearts year-round. During American Heart Month, the American Heart Association continues to fight against heart disease and stroke. Join the American Heart Association in the fight this February. 

Ways to get involved: 

• Become an American Heart Association Volunteer. 
• Advocate for Non-profit relief. 
• Donate to the American Heart Association. 
• Shop American Heart Month apparel at the American Heart Association. 
• Participate in National Wear Red Day, on Feb. 5 to support the fight against heart disease and stroke in Women.  

AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month 

Join the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the National Eye Institute in celebrating February as AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month. Low vision effects millions of Americans and can make completing daily tasks more difficult, especially for older adults. Vision rehabilitation can help people with low vision stay independent and make the most of their sight. Low Vision Awareness Month is a time to raise awareness about low vision and spread the word about vision rehabilitation services. During the month of February, the NIH and National Eye Institute invites participation in spreading awareness for Low Vision.  

Ways to get involved: 

• Check out the NIH “More than meets the eye” campaign. 
• Take the eye trivia quiz. 
• Try the “see what I see” virtually reality app. 
• Watch the NEI and the American Diabetes Association team up to discuss diabetes and eye health.  

National Children’s Dental Health Month 

Join the American Dental Association in observing February as National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM). This month-long national health observance brings together thousands of dedicated professionals, health care providers, and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers, and many others. This year’s NCDHM campaign slogan is “Water, Nature’s Drink!” During February, the American Dental Association invites organizations to participate in spreading the word about dental health and hygiene to children through a series of programs planning guides and publicity resources.  

Ways to get Involved: 

• Download the 2021 NCDHM Program planning guide. 
• Fill out and share the NCDHM press release template. 
• Share NCDHM children’s coloring pages. 
• Download the official 2021 NCDHM poster. 

Awareness Weeks/ Days 

• Cardiac Rehabilitation Week (Feb. 14-20, 2021) 
• Wear Red Day (Feb. 5, 2021)